How To Manage Common Health Issues As You Age
How To Manage Common Health Issues As You Age
It is no secret that once you start to age, you will start to encounter more health problems. This is all a part of the ageing process. Unfortunately, nobody will feel like they are in their 20’s forever. Often these health issues are minor and can be treated at home by yourself. Either with medication or with a few lifestyle changes but sometimes you will need to visit the doctor. So, you need to make sure that you have a good GP and that you attend all of your regular checkups. Here are a few of the more common health issues that people face as they age and how you can manage them. How to manage common health issues as you age step by step.
Arthritis
Arthritis is particularly common for those over the age of 65 and can seriously impact your quality of life. This is the breakdown of tissue in the joints, which can lead to pain and restricted movement of the affected area. There is no cure. Painkillers, corticosteroids, and developing an activity plan with your healthcare provider can help you to manage the symptoms.
Constipation
Constipation is common for people as they age and could be related to lifestyle and/or other chronic health issues. You can avoid constipation and other similar health issues. By maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and regular exercise. You can also find effective and gentle treatment in the form of medication like Movicol, which works in harmony with your body by softening the stool.
Hypertension
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure in the arteries is constantly elevated. However, you do not experience symptoms until the pressure is dangerously high. This normally involves chest pain and headaches. Hypertension is dangerous as it increases the risk of potentially life-threatening conditions. You can manage hypertension through dietary changes, quitting smoking, and leading an active lifestyle. You should also get your blood pressure checked every few years.
Vision Problems
One of the symptoms of getting old that most people are aware of is deterioration in vision. While sometimes this is nothing to worry about. Sometimes it can be a more serious health problem like age-related macular degeneration (AMB) or glaucoma. It is important to get your eyes checked on a regular basis. Ensuring vision problems can be caught and treated quickly. Treatment could involve laser surgery, eye drops, or cataract surgery.
Cognitive Health Issues
Cognitive health (the ability to think, learn, and remember) is an area that everyone worries about. Dementia is the most common cognitive health issue and one that is expected to grow in size over the coming years. Other chronic health issues and disease increase the risk of dementia and, although there is no cure, a treatment plan and medications can help to manage the disease.
Diabetes
Changes that happen as you age can increase the chance of developing diabetes, so it is important to attend annual checkups. You can avoid diabetes by losing weight, exercising on a regular basis, and eating a healthy diet with less sugar and fat.
Mental Health Issues
Mental health is another area that can be an issue for people as they age. Depression is very common and can occur when an individual feels isolated and lonely. A huge problem with many seniors. Depression and other mental health issues can be a huge problem and severely impact your quality of life. It is important that it is managed and treated by a mental health professional. You can also improve mental health by staying active, socialising, exercise, improving living conditions, and finding support from family and/or friends.
Oral Health Problems
Oral health can deteriorate over time, which can impact your overall health, make eating difficult, and knock your confidence. This means that oral health needs to become a priority as you age. Which should involve brushing twice daily, flossing, and using mouthwash. You should also attend regular dental checkups to stay on top of your oral health.
Obesity
Obesity is a growing health problem for seniors. One which is a major concern as it increases the risk of potentially life-threatening illnesses as well as impacts their quality of life. As you would expect, regular exercise, a healthy diet and avoiding harmful substances will be key. You also need to make sure that you get enough sleep, socialise and find ways to relax to improve your mood.
Everyone experiences health issues as they age, and this is all a part of life. It is important to be aware of what the more common health issues are amongst seniors so that you know how to prevent them but also what you need to do if you think that you are suffering from a condition.
