10 Most Common Health Concerns Among the Elderly

Old age is a sensitive phase and the elderly require the same care they gave you when you were a child. Ageing is accompanied by many health conditions which need more attention, love, understanding and more importantly, quality elderly care.

The ageing phenomenon is a complex process and goes down to the cellular level. What were once healthy cells begin to gradually shrivel and deteriorate. Our hair becomes grey, skin loses its normal tensile strength and bones become weaker.

With seniors accounting for 12 per cent of the world’s population­, it is important to understand the challenges faced by people as they age, and recognize that there are preventive measures that can place yourself (or a loved one) on a path to healthy ageing.

While advances in healthcare have helped people live longer than before, as a result, medical conditions have become a more pronounced part of older life. The upside is that living with these medical conditions has become less of a challenge and older people and their caregivers are in a better position to manage them on a daily basis.

Regardless, it is important for us to understand the common medical conditions that the Elderly Care suffer so that we, as caregivers, are more prepared to deal with them if diagnosed.

1. Arthritis

Arthritis is the breakdown of tissue inside the joints and the condition worsens with age. It restricts movement in the joint and causes pain and inflammation. Although arthritis can discourage you from being active, it’s important to work with your doctor to develop a personalized activity plan that, along with other treatment, can help maintain senior health.

2. Hypertension

Hypertension – or high blood pressure – is incredibly common and the noticeable symptoms are rare. They include severe headaches and anxiety, chest pain and irregular heartbeat.

Hypertension puts a lot of strain on blood vessels, the heart and other vital organs such as the kidneys. High blood pressure in the elderly can cause further serious health issues like heart disease, heart attacks, kidney disease, vascular dementia, strokes and heart failure. The only ways to keep hypertension in check is to maintain a strictly healthy diet and be physically active.

3. Asthma

Asthma occurs when a person’s airways become inflamed, narrow and swell, producing extra mucus which makes it difficult to breathe. Asthma can be minor or it can interfere with daily activities. In some cases, it may lead to a life-threatening attack. Older people are susceptible to asthma and it can worsen when people have a cold or the flu. Managing your asthma is extremely important, as it can be a life-threatening condition.

4. Diabetes

The elderly are susceptible to developing diabetes, which is a life-long condition caused when the pancreas stop producing enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem among the older population and a larger proportion of newly diagnosed diabetics are from the older generation. To help avoid the disease, doctors advise strictly following three things – healthy eating, losing weight, and regular exercise.

5. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis makes the bones weak and brittle. The body constantly absorbs and replaces bone tissue, but with osteoporosis, new bone creation doesn’t keep up with old bone removal. This leads to a higher risk of fracture injuries. Women are more at risk of the condition because they lose bone density rapidly in the first few years after going through menopause. Medication can help strengthen bones. In addition, many people take calcium and vitamin D supplements to maintain bone health. Weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises are advised by doctors to combat the condition.

6. Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive condition which damages and affects parts of the brain. The condition is most common in middle-aged and elderly people. Parkinson's often starts with a tremor in one hand. Other symptoms are slow movement, stiffness and loss of balance. Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. There are treatments available which can help to reduce the main symptoms and allow those affected to maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.

7. Stroke

Strokes are particularly common among older people. Having a stroke can be life-threatening if you don’t seek medical attention right away. It’s very important to know the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Symptoms of stroke include trouble walking, speaking and understanding, as well as paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg.

8. Heart Disease

Another one of the common diseases in old age is heart disease. This can include heart attacks, narrowing of the heart arteries leading to chest pains (called angina) or weakening of the heart muscle called heart failure. Whatever the condition may be, once heart disease sets in, individuals will find it a lot more difficult to perform exercise and regular activities. Risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and a family history of heart disease are associated with heart disease.

9. Dementia

Dementia is a progressive disorder that affects memory and overall brain function. It is more common in older people, affecting around 1 in 14 people over 65. This increases to 1 in 6 people over the age of 80. The most common and well-known kind of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Vascular dementia is another type of dementia that develops as a result of a stroke or blood vessel deterioration. The best way to prevent this as we get older is to stay physically and mentally active.

10. Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in your deep veins, most commonly in one of your legs. This condition is most common in people over the age of 40, and can also lead to further complications, including pulmonary embolism. This is a serious condition because blood clots can loosen and lodge in the lungs. Leg pain or swelling may occur, but there may be no symptoms. There are a number of factors which can increase your risk of DVT, including being inactive for longer periods of time, obesity, blood vessel damage and a family history of blood blots.