How to Deal With 5 Common Health Issues as We Age

Many U.S. adults are living longer than their ancestors. According to Harvard Medical School, in 1900, the life expectancy was 47 years, and in 2021, the life expectancy was 76. Furthermore, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) "National Vital Statistics Report," the life expectancy at 65 is 16.1 – 21 years.

While this is great news, the bad news is that older adults are more likely to develop health issues that can affect their quality of life. According to the National Council on Aging, 80% of adults 65 and older have at least one chronic condition, and 68% have two or more chronic conditions. Furthermore, treating older adults with health issues can be more challenging due to polypharmacy, multiple health conditions, and more.

Understanding the most common age-related health issues, their symptoms, prevention, and treatment can help improve your quality of life as you age.

Dealing With 5 Common Age-Related Health Issues

Arthritis

According to the CDC, "Arthritis means inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. It describes more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. Specific symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, but usually include joint pain and stiffness."

It is estimated that arthritis affects nearly half of adults over 65 and can lead to pain and a lower quality of life. Some types of arthritis result from normal wear and tear on your body, and there is no cure for it. However, you can take steps to manage it, such as being physically active, managing your weight, and protecting your joints with low-impact activities.

Heart Disease

"People age 65 and older are much more likely than younger people to suffer a heart attack, to have a stroke, or to develop coronary heart disease (commonly called heart disease) and heart failure," the National Institute on Aging reports. "Heart disease is also a major cause of disability, limiting the activity and eroding the quality of life of millions of older people."

To minimize the risk of heart disease, be physically active, don't smoke, keep a healthy weight, follow a heart-healthy diet, and keep diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol under control.

Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

According to the Alzheimer's Association, "An estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's in 2023." Mild forgetfulness is often a normal part of aging; however, according to the National Institute on Aging, dementia is not a normal part of aging.

Symptoms of dementia include "loss of cognitive functioning - thinking, remembering, learning, and reasoning — and behavioral abilities to the extent that it interferes with a person's quality of life and activities."

You can reduce your risk of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia with physical activity, healthy eating, not smoking, avoiding alcohol, and staying mentally and socially active. Most types of dementia cannot be cured, but it can sometimes be managed with medications and therapies.

Chronic Kidney Disease

"Kidney disease can develop at any time, but those over the age of 60 are more likely than not to develop kidney disease," the National Kidney Foundation states. "As people age, so do their kidneys."

The Kidney Fund provides the following tips for managing kidney disease:

• Know what kidney disease progression means
• Know the stages of kidney disease
• Know how well your kidneys are working
• Know about treatments for kidney disease with diabetes
• Know how to talk to your doctor

Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) affect the airways and other parts of the lungs. CRDs include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema, making you more vulnerable to pneumonia and other infections. Causes include tobacco smoke, air pollution, occupational chemicals and dust, and frequent lower respiratory infections in childhood.

The American Lung Association recommends the following tips to protect your lungs:

• Stop Smoking
• Exercise Regularly
• Maintain a Healthy Diet and Stay Hydrated
• Get Annual Check-Ups
• Stay Up to Date With Vaccinations
• Avoid Outdoor Air Pollution Exposure
• Improve Indoor Air Quality
• Practice Deep Breathing
• Maintain Good Hygiene
• Get Screened for Lung Cancer

CRDs are not curable; however, some treatments can help control the symptoms and improve quality of life.

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