Defy Your Age
Nearly eight out of ten older persons have more than one chronic disease, and over nine out of ten have more than one. You most likely will have one at some point. However, there are steps you may take to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Elevated blood pressure
The mechanism that pumps blood throughout your body is put under pressure as you age because your blood vessels become less flexible. That could help to explain why high blood pressure affects almost two out of every three persons over 60. However, there are other factors under your control. Watch your weight, get exercise, quit smoking, learn stress management techniques, consume less salt, and maintain a healthy diet in order to achieve this.
Diabetes
One in ten Americans suffer from diabetes. The older you get, the greater your probability of developing the illness. Diabetes can cause blindness, renal damage, heart disease, and other issues. Consult your physician about getting a blood sugar test.
Heart Conditions
One of the main causes of heart disease is plaque accumulation in the arteries. It begins in childhood and worsens with ageing. In the United States, 5.6% of women and 6.3% of men in the 40–59 age bracket suffer from heart disease. Heart disease affects 9.7% of women and nearly 20% of men between the ages of 60 and 79.
Being overweight
Obesity is defined as weighing significantly more than is healthy for a person of a certain height; it goes beyond simply carrying a few extra pounds. At least 20 chronic illnesses, such as high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and stroke have been related to it. Of Americans 40 to 59 years old, about 45% are obese.
Osteoarthritis
Doctors used to attribute this joint illness to ageing, and that is still a contributing cause. However, it’s also likely influenced by genetics and lifestyle. Additionally, a history of joint problems, inactivity, diabetes, and obesity can all be contributing factors.
Osteoporosis
Your bones weaken due to osteoporosis, which increases your risk of fractures. Approximately 54 million Americans over 50 are impacted by it. A good diet high in calcium and vitamin D (you need both for strong bones) and frequent weight-bearing exercise, such as dancing, jogging, or climbing stairs, are two things that can assist.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
This irritates your lungs and prevents air from getting in. The condition progresses slowly, so you may have symptoms for years without realising it; they typically appear in your 40s or 50s. It may cause you to cough, wheeze, or spit up mucous in addition to making breathing difficult. Healthy eating, exercise, and abstaining from pollutants and tobacco can all be beneficial.
Deafness
Perhaps nothing is more indicative of ageing than having to inquire, “What did you say?” Approximately 2% of Americans between the ages of 45 and 54 have “disabling” hearing loss. For people 55 to 64 years old, that increases to 8.5%. Genes, illnesses, and loud noises all have an impact. Hearing issues might also be brought on by some drugs. If your hearing isn’t as good as it once was, consult a physician.
Issues with Vision
There’s more to vision loss as you age than just that annoying blurriness you experience when trying to read small print on labels or menus. Your vision can be harmed by cataracts, which clog the lens of your eye, and glaucoma, a collection of disorders that affect your optic nerve. Visit your eye doctor for routine examinations.
Issues with the Bladder
Inability to go when necessary or excessive frequency of urination are common age-related bladder control issues. They may be brought on by nerve issues, weakening muscles, tissue thickening, or an enlarged prostate. Exercise and dietary adjustments, such as cutting back on coffee intake or avoiding heavy lifting, can frequently be helpful.
Cancer
The greatest risk factor for cancer is age. Although it affects young people as well, the likelihood of developing the condition more than doubles between the ages of 45 and 54. You have some control over some things, including smoking and excessive sun exposure, but not over your age or genetic makeup.
Depression
For those above the age of 18, depression is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses in the United States. As individuals become older, health issues arise, loved ones pass away or move away, and other life events occur, some people experience depression.
Back Ache
This is increasingly prevalent the older you get. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including obesity, smoking, insufficient exercise, and medical conditions like cancer and arthritis. To maintain strong bones, maintain a healthy weight, obtain regular exercise, and consume lots of calcium and vitamin D. And work on building up your back muscles—you’ll need them.
Alzheimer’s disease
Dementias like Alzheimer’s typically don’t manifest until a person reaches 65 or so. Certain risk factors, such as genetics and age, are beyond of your control. However, data points to the potential benefits of a heart-healthy diet, as well as blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring.