Out of 10 older adults, at least 9 will experience some kind of chronic disease whereas nearly 8 will have more than one type of illness. Chances are, you will have one sooner or later upon reaching the age of retirement. Find out more about several senior health problems after 50 that you may face.
High Blood Pressure
As we age, our blood vessels will become less flexible which can put pressure on our system that channels blood throughout our body. This might explain why roughly 2 out of 3 older adults aged 60 and above suffer from high blood pressure. To control your blood pressure levels, you can try several methods that include quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, eating healthy, and managing your stress well.
Diabetes
At least 1 out of 10 Americans have diabetes and the chances of you getting the disease can increase with age. Diabetes can lead to kidney disease, heart disease, blindness, and other health issues. To better control your blood sugar level, consult a professional medical practitioner to have your blood sugar assessed.
Coronary Disease
Plague builds up in our arteries as a result of various reasons. This buildup is a major cause of coronary disease and it can start as early as childhood and worsen with age. For older adults aged 40 to 59, more than 6% of men and more than 5% of women suffer from coronary disease. For older adults aged between 60 to 79, cases of coronary disease can go up to nearly 20% of men and almost 10% of women. To prevent the disease, you can participate in various senior activities to keep your body fit and maintain a healthy weight.
Obesity
Those who weigh more than their ideal weight could be considered obese or overweight. Being obese is not just about having a few extra pounds but it is also associated with at least 20 chronic diseases that can include diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and arthritis. In America, almost 45% of older adults between the ages of 40 to 59 are obese.
Osteoarthritis
Doctors used to associate osteoarthritis with the wear and tear of age. However, lifestyle and genetics probably have something to do with this joint condition as well. A lack of physical activity, previous joint injuries, being overweight, and diabetes can all contribute to the condition too.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes your bones to become brittle and more prone to fractures. It has affected 54 million Americans to date who are aged 50 years and above. To protect yourself from this bone condition, you can switch to a healthy diet comprising foods that are rich in vitamin D and calcium and keep your body active through jogging, dancing, weight-bearing exercises, or climbing stairs.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
This disease blocks air from your lungs and causes inflammation in the organ. It is a disease that progresses slowly and many older adults are not even aware that they have had it for many years. Symptoms of this disease often show up in the 40s or 50s and it can cause trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing, and spitting out mucus.
