Medical Update May 2024

Medical Guide, May 2024— 5 Notable senior health concerns T he human body changes as it ages. While certain conditions are com- monly associated with aging, some in- dividuals may be surprised to learn of the more common health conditions that can a ff ect seniors. The World Health Organization says one in six people will be 60 or older by 2030. With such a large portion of the pop- ulation on the cusp of turning 60, it makes sense for individuals to famil- iarize themselves with the more nota- ble issues a ff ecting seniors. Cognitive decline A certain degree of memory loss is a natural component of aging. Forget- ting where you left your keys or expe- riencing di ffi culty putting a name to a face can be a random and frustrating occurrence. However, dementias, like Alzheimer’s disease, are not a side ef- fect of aging. As many as one in fi ve seniors experiences mental health is- sues that are not associated with aging, and it helps to learn the early warning signs of dementia. Such recognition may compel individuals to seek treat- ment that can slow the progression of the disease. Osteoarthritis Aches and pains may come with aging, and often can be attributed to osteoarthritis, which is the most com- mon form of arthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Osteoarthritis oc- curs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears away over time. It is progressive and cannot be reversed, but maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can help alle- viate pain and improve joint function. Cataracts and refractive errors It should come as no surprise to most that the eyes change as the body ages. Refractive errors like nearsight- edness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia can make objects look blurry when viewed, says the National Eye Institute. Cataracts, which are a clouding of the eye’s natural lenses, af- fect about 20 percent of people age 65 and older, according to the American Geriatrics Society, while the National Eye Institute says half of all people over age 80 will get them. Cataract removal surgery and prescription eye- glasses can help. Type 2 diabetes American Senior Communities re- ports that it’s estimated 25 percent of adults age 65 and older have type 2 dia- betes. Unchecked diabetes can lead to a host of ailments, including vision prob- lems, mobility issues, kidney damage, and increased risk for heart disease or stroke. Many people can manage type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise. Heart disease The National Institute on Aging says adults age 65 and older are more likely than younger people to su ff er from cardiovascular disease that af- fects the heart, blood vessels or both. Conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol need to be prop- erly managed, and diet and exercise is important throughout life to avoid de- veloping heart disease in later years. Balance issues Balance issues that can lead to falls are a major concern for seniors. Ac- cording to HealthinAging.org, many things can adversely a ff ect balance. These include nerve and brain prob- lems, vision troubles, diabetes, arthri- tis, inner ear problems, and even dehy- dration. Dizziness or balance problems should be addressed, as there are seri- ous health risks associated with falls.