Home Health 7 of the Most Common Medical Conditions That Effect the Elderly

7 of the Most Common Medical Conditions That Effect the Elderly

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As we age, many things happen to our bodies. We aren’t able to do the things we use to, and we often lose our hearing and sight. Your heart will begin to work faster, and you may start to lose teeth, hair, and become forgetful. While many different conditions can affect our bodies as we age, here are seven of the most common. 

Arthritis

Arthritis occurs when an individual’s joints become inflamed, causing stiffness and pain. There are more than 100 different types, and each can affect the body differently. While there isn’t a cure, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce pain and other symptoms. You might want to look into getting health insurance like these Aetna Medicare Plans to prepare yourself for the future.

Dementia

Dementia affects our memory and judgment by impairing these two brain functions. It is caused by damage to the brain’s cells and rapidly gets worse over time. There is no treatment for the most severe form of dementia, Alzheimer’s. However, studies are still being conducted today.

Cataracts

As we get older, we may notice that our vision becomes cloudy, like looking through a foggy window. This is called a cataract and happens when the proteins in our lens start to break down due to the aging process. The only way to diagnose cataracts is to speak to your optometrist, who can then recommend surgery to remove them.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease occurs when there is a disorder of our body’s central nervous system. It often starts slowly, with small hand tremors as a symptom, but over time can progress rapidly. The exact cause of this Parkinson’s is currently unknown; however, it seems to be more common in the elderly over the age of 50.  

Osteoporosis

Individuals with osteoporosis are known to have brittle bones. This is because their body cannot keep up with the creation of new bones and the loss of old ones. In severe cases, a simple sneeze can crack a rib. While there is no treatment, you can take preventative measures, such as altering your diet and exercising. 

Glaucoma

Similar to cataracts, glaucoma is another type of eye condition. They occur when there is damage to the optic nerve. An optometrist can only identify this condition, and you may not know that you have already lost sight. 

Depression

As our life gets close to the end, we may begin to feel upset about the fact that we are no longer capable of doing the things we use to. Depression is a mental health condition that affects our mood and interest in life. It is treatable with medication, and support is always available.

While reading the above may be overwhelming, it’s important to remember that aging is a natural part of life and happens to everyone. To keep your body healthy, remember to eat right, exercise, and be confident. If you feel like you may have one of the above conditions, book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.