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4 Common Health Concerns for Seniors and Prevention
Although getting old brings wisdom and the joy of having a big family, it also brings some health-related problems. It is logical to get to know the possible conditions we all might be facing, as we approach this stage of our lives. This knowledge will also provide you with insights on what precautionary steps you can take in order to minimize the chances of developing some of these health issues.
Right at the start, we have to state that a healthy lifestyle and regular health screenings can minimize, forestall, or even prevent some of the health problems we may face in our twilight years. Let’s continue with the list of the most common health concerns.
Diabetes
Diabetes became a real problem worldwide during the past few decades, due to unhealthy dieting habits and a “fast” lifestyle. If you are having these troubles, there are certain choices you can make that could help you a lot. It is very important to make proper adjustments to your diet. This doesn’t require you to abandon all the food you like. Focus on lowering the intake of products that contain a high amount of carbs.
Staying active can also help you out in keeping your glucose levels under control. Also, if you do not pay regular visits to your doctor and follow all the instruction he or she has given you, as a result, you can end up with some severe complications. One among many is the end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which will requires you to start kidney dialysis treatment.
Digestion Problems
The digestion process starts at the mouth. This is why many doctors emphasize the importance of chewing your food. If you don’t chew your food enough, there is a great chance that you will develop problems with your stomach. The most common one is hiatal hernia. Over time, the diaphragm gets weaker and less elastic, which is why chewing your food and having small meals is very important if you want to avoid this inconvenience, particularly when you get old.
If you want to keep your teeth healthy and avoid dentures, brush them twice a day, floss daily to remove the plaque and make sure to pay regular visits to your dentist.
Problems with Vision and Hearing
This is one of the most common problems with the elderly. Cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are all age-related eye conditions that affect many people around the globe. Studies have shown that people who are on a diet that includes foods rich with antioxidants and who regularly take vitamin supplements are less prone to develop any of these conditions. Also, there are studies that clearly state the connection between smoking and higher risks of macular degeneration, so if you haven’t already, stop smoking.
Hearing loss may sound benign, but recent research states that it takes a toll on the quality of a person’s life and it may lead into serious mental illnesses, such as depression and total social isolation.
Cardiovascular Disease
This is a very common disease. It affects more than one third of the population who are 45 to 54 years old. And, as statistics show, this number gets much bigger with age. Cardiovascular diseases affect your blood vessels and heart and are the top causes of death in many countries. The most common CVDs are hypertension, arrhythmia and stroke as the most serious one.
What’ more important, studies show that everything is in your hands, because a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of CVD by a stunning 80%. The general advice is to stop smoking, to work on creating a high fiber and low fat diet, to try and be active every day, and to keep your alcohol intake to a minimum.
One of the main causes of CVD is the high intake of salt. Keep in mind that all fast foods are loaded with salt. The only way to control the ingredients in your meals is to try and prepare you own food.
As you can see, many of the mentioned possible health issues can be avoided through regular prevention methods. It is never too late to develop a responsibility for your own body. This way, you will avoid many unpleasant symptoms that accompany this common illnesses, enabling yourself to enjoy those great moments, specially reserved for seniors.
