Most Common Health Concerns for Seniors

Did you know that people in the United States are living longer than ever before? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people are living an average of over 85 years! To live your optimal life, though, you need to be proactive about staying healthy. Choosing to lead a healthy lifestyle can help prevent some of the most common health concerns for seniors. Let’s take a look at some of these ailments and what seniors can do to prevent common health issues and live healthy, full lives, well into their later years.

1. Arthritis is one of the top conditions affecting people 65 and over, affecting about 49.7 percent. This can lead to a lower quality of life because it can cause pain and make it hard to stay active. However, your doctor can help you create an exercise plan that can, along with other treatments, help ease your symptoms.
2. Heart disease is the leading killer of older adults. Some of the risk factors affecting older people include high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and those are things that can be improved. Exercising, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of heart disease and improve your overall health.
3. After heart disease, cancer causes the most deaths in people over age 65. However, many types of cancer are treatable when caught early. Screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, and skin checks can help detect cancer before it progresses to a later stage. Additionally, treatments are now available to improve the quality of life of seniors living with cancer.
4. Respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and asthma impact a large number of older people. Getting lung function tests, following your prescribed treatment plan, and using oxygen as required can help preserve your health and quality of life.
5. Osteoporosis can be extremely impactful for older adults. It reduces mobility and can potentially lead to disability after a fall. Osteoporosis affects about 54 million people over age 50, but there are preventive measures that can help. Getting regular exercise, eating a nutrient-dense diet, and limiting alcohol consumption can reduce your risk of osteoporosis at any age.
6. Diabetes affects 25 percent of people 65 and older. Identifying whether you have or are at risk for diabetes early can help you make changes to control the disease and improve your health.
7. Shingles affects one out of every three people over 60. Fortunately, there’s a vaccine available to prevent this painful, itchy rash.

If you’re looking for a senior community that values and nurtures its residents, come take a tour of a Cambridge Village community. At each Cambridge Village location, you can experience Optimal Living® for active adults that’s given us the reputation of being one of North Carolina’s premier communities. We offer an exceptional lifestyle, with evolving wellness, concierge healthcare, and engaged experience, for a retirement experience that exceeds your expectations. For more information, contact us through our website.