ging is a beautiful journey filled with wisdom and experience, but it often comes with the challenges of managing chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension. These conditions may seem daunting, but they don’t have to define our later years. With the right knowledge and tools, older adults can take charge of their health, stay active, and savor every moment.
Discover powerful strategies for thriving in old age—whether you’re nearing this milestone, already experiencing it, or supporting someone who is. These insights are invaluable for everyone! And to younger adults: don’t wait until age catches up to you—stay informed and take charge of your health today!
Arthritis
Arthritis is a general term for joint inflammation, pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. It affects the joints and the tissues around them. There are over 100 types of arthritis, but the most common one associated with old age is osteoarthritis.
Causes
The cause depends on the type of arthritis condition. Causes of osteoarthritis include:
- Age
- Obesity
- Genetics
- Joint trauma
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Autoimmune disease
- Abnormal metabolism
- Jobs with repeated stress on joints
- Gender (Females are mostly affected)
Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person-to-person, and can affect any joint but are most common in the knees, hips, and hands. This includes:
- Bone spurs
- Tenderness
- Less ability to move the joint
- Pain, especially when moving the joint
- Stiffness, especially after resting
- Swelling in and around the joint
- Feeling like the joint is loose or unstable
- Grating or crackling sound when moving the joint
Reducing the risk
- Engage in regular, low-impact exercise to keep joints flexible.
- Avoid joint injuries through proper techniques in physical activities.
- Use proper techniques when lifting heavy objects and avoid repetitive joint stress.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints.
Points to staying healthy
- Follow a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables).
- Stay hydrated and limit processed foods high in sugar and salt.
- Practice stress-reduction techniques like yoga or meditation to manage pain and improve mental health.
DIABETES
Over one-quarter of people over the age of 65 years have diabetes and one-half of older adults have prediabetes. The number of older adults living with these conditions is expected to increase rapidly in the coming decades.
Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar), which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. While both type 1 and type 2 diabetes exist, type 2 diabetes predominates in the older population than the younger population.
Reducing the risk
Risk Factors
- Age
- Family history
- Overweight/obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Hormonal changes
- High blood pressure & cholesterol
- Sleep disorders
- Ethnicity
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow wound healing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tingling or numbness
- Dry skin
- Increased thirst (Polydipsia)
- Frequent urination (Polyuria)
- Increased hunger (Polyphagia)
Points to staying healthy
- Stay hydrated
- Stay physically active
- Maintain a balanced diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get regular check-ups
- Prioritize sleep (7-9 hours of quality sleep)
HYPERTENSION
Aging causes arteries to become less elastic and stiffer, contributing to increased blood pressure. This is called hypertension.
Risk Factors
- High intake of sodium (salty foods)
- Low potassium intake
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Chronic kidney disease
- Smoking
- Stress
- Physical inactivity
Symptoms
- Blood in urine
- Chest pain
- Blurred vision
- Palpitations
- Frequent headaches
- Nosebleeds
Complications
Uncontrolled hypertension in older people can lead to serious health issues including stroke, heart attack, cognitive decline, and kidney damage.
Points to staying healthy
- Get regular check-ups
- Stay hydrated
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Stay away from any exposure to smoke
- Engage in Social Activities
DISCLAIMER
The health content provided is intended for knowledge and educational purposes. Please consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and any medical concerns.
REFERENCES
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- com
- org
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