5 Most Common Health Issues in Older Adults

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For many people, the aim isn’t just to increase lifespan but to lengthen what experts refer to as our “health span”—the years we live in good health without illness. However, it becomes increasingly challenging as we grow older. In fact, ageing is the primary uncontrollable risk factor for chronic disease.

The following are five of the most common health issues in older adults, along with strategies to manage them.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults over 65. Risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol increase with age, raising the risk of stroke and heart problems.

Managing this involves regular physical activity suited to individual capabilities, adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol with medical professionals, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.

Cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in older adults, but early detection through routine screenings improves outcomes. Seniors are encouraged to keep up with recommended cancer screenings, maintain a healthy lifestyle through balanced nutrition and exercise, and maintain open communication with healthcare providers for timely diagnosis and treatment.

COPD and asthma

Chronic respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are common among seniors, increasing the risk of respiratory infections. Managing respiratory health includes following prescribed treatments, avoiding smoking and environmental pollutants, staying up to date on vaccinations for flu and pneumonia, and regular lung function monitoring.

Diabetes

Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a chronic medical condition characterised by elevated levels of blood sugar (glucose) in the body. It occurs when the pancreas either does not produce enough insulin, a hormone essential for allowing glucose to enter cells for energy, or when the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. 

Effective management requires regular blood sugar monitoring, adhering to a diabetes-friendly diet low in sugars and processed foods, engaging in physical activity to help regulate blood glucose levels, and following prescribed medications or insulin therapies diligently.

Arthritis

‘Arthritis’ is a term used to describe over 100 different conditions that cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints—the places where two or more bones meet. It affects the smooth cartilage that cushions the bones, leading to bone grinding on bone, which causes joint discomfort and limits movement. 

Managing arthritis involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, physical therapies, and sometimes surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and improve joint function. Regular exercise, particularly low-impact activities such as swimming or walking, helps strengthen the muscles around the joints and maintain flexibility. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, which can slow disease progression and lessen pain.

Routine visits to your healthcare provider for checkups and screenings are crucial for identifying hidden health conditions early. In many cases, health issues in older adults detected at an early stage respond better to treatment compared to those diagnosed later.