The Senior Population & Common Ailments They Suffer From

As people age, the probability of developing certain ailments increases drastically. By the time a person reaches late adulthood, which is about 60 +, many have at least one chronic health problem to contend with. Luckily, the health conditions that older adults often develop can usually be treated with medications and other treatments, and it can also be very helpful to be as knowledgeable as possible about the condition that you or a loved one have been diagnosed with. This guide highlights 4 common ailments that elderly people are likely to suffer from.

Hip Fractures

Due to the fact that older adults are at higher risk of falls, this makes them more likely to suffer from serious injuries, including hip fractures. Both elderly men and women are at higher risk of hip and other fractures as a result of falls if they suffer from osteoporosis, or brittle bones. Hip fractures can be avoided by preventing falls in the first place. Ensuring that hazards are kept out of the floor and main walkways is very important to help prevent falls. Installing grab bars and using a shower chair in the bathroom is also a way to prevent falls as well.

Osteoarthritis

According to the Administration On Aging, arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions that older adults suffer from. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is a degenerative joint disease caused by repeated wear and tear on the joints. The most commonly affected joints are the shoulder, hip, ankle and knee. Osteoarthritis affects both men and women equally, and can be an extremely painful and debilitating condition that often causes disability in those over the age of 65. Although there is no cure for this condition, there are helpful treatments such as physical therapy, braces, anti-inflammatory medications and avoidance of certain activities.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension is a condition that describes a chronic blood pressure reading of 140/90 or greater. Untreated hypertension can lead to stroke, heart attack and even kidney disease. Risk factors for developing high blood pressure are usually a poor diet, obesity, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of exercise and excessive use of alcohol. Older adults will often develop hypertension as a result of hardening or clogging of the arteries, and can also affect the kidneys and blood vessels. Some ways to reduce high blood pressure are medications, weight loss, exercise and dietary changes. Hypertension is more common in African Americans, and is often more severe.

Type II Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association, 23.1 % of people over the age of 60 suffer from diabetes, with a higher percentage of sufferers being non-Hispanic black. Unlike type I diabetes, where the pancreas doesn't make insulin at all, which is vital for keeping blood glucose levels lowered, people's pancreases with type II diabetes still produce insulin, many times in excessive amounts, yet the body's cells no longer responds properly. With the many advancements in treatments, however, type II diabetes can be properly managed, and oftentimes simple diet and exercise can work wonders.

References

Administration on Aging Information Page - www.aoa.gov/aoaroot/aging_statistics/Profile/2009/14.aspx

Cleveland Clinic Hip Fracture in Elderly Page - http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/osteoporosis/hic_hip_fractures_in_the_elderly.aspx

ADA Diabetes Information - www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/