Age-related diseases in Older Adults

What are Age-Related Diseases?

Age-related diseases are illnesses and conditions that occur more frequently in people as they get older, meaning age is a significant risk factor.

Several changes take place in features and functions of an ageing individual. Some of the changes include reduction in muscle and bone mass, decline in cognitive and memory functions, decline in sensory perceptions, decline in sexual activity and an increased susceptibility to develop chronic conditions, like cancer.

Common Age related diseases

As people age, they are more likely to experience several conditions at the same time. Following are some of the more common age-related diseases experienced by older adults.

1. Cardiovascular Disease

- Heart disease is among the common conditions experienced by elderly and the most common form of it is coronary artery disease.

- Coronary Artery disease involves narrowing or blockage of main arteries supplying of the heart. These obstructions can develop over time, or quickly as an acute rupture and can cause potentially fatal heart attacks.

2. Cerebrovascular disease (Stroke)

- A stroke occurs when blood stops flowing in one area of the brain because of disruption in the blood vessels resulting in brain cells to die very quickly. Strokes can cause death or serious disability, depending on the location and severity of the blockage or rupture.

- The most common type of stroke is ischemic stroke which is caused by any lack of blood flow to the brain. The second type is called hemorrhagic stroke which is caused when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds in the brain.

3. Hypertension or High Blood Pressure

- This is a common condition that occurs when the heart pumps a lot of blood and the arteries resist this flow.

- The danger of hypertension is not only that you can have it for years, but it can cause other serious health conditions, like stroke and heart attacks.

4. Cancer

- Age is one of the biggest risk factors for many types of cancer.

- A number of types of cancer are more common in elderly including skin, breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, bladder, and stomach cancers.

5. Diabetes

- Diabetes is a medical condition that occurs when your body is resistant to, or doesn’t produce enough, insulin which results in high blood sugar levels.

- Type 2 Diabetes is more common and prevalent among elderly after age 45 and can lead to complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, or blindness.

6. High Cholesterol

- High cholesterol is a condition that occurs when your body has an excess of bad fats (or lipids).

- This results in clogging your arteries, which can lead to heart disease.

7. Parkinson’s disease

- This is a progressive neurological disorder which causes tremors, stiffness, and halting movement.

- It is commonly seen in elderly after the age of 60 and men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s than women.

8. Dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease)

- Characterized by a loss of brain functioning, dementia can manifest as memory loss, mood changes, confusion, difficulty communicating, or poor judgment. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.

- Though the chances of developing dementia increases with age, it is not considered a natural part of ageing process.

9. Arthritis

- This is a condition characterized by inflammation of joints, which causes pain and stiffness.

- It is occurs more commonly as people age, and it's more prevalent in women. Genetics, obesity, and prior joint injury also increase susceptibility.

10. Cataracts

- A cataract is a progressive cloudiness in the lens of your eye, resulting from a number of factors, including age, exposure to ultraviolet light, smoking, and diabetes.

11. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

- It is also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

- This is a progressive disease that affects the motor neurons and causes deterioration of the body’s muscle function. There is no known cure for ALS.

12. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

- COPD is characterized by a reduction of airflow into and out of the lungs due to inflammation in the airways, thickening of the lining of the lungs, and an over-production of mucus in the air tubes.

- COPD is most common in people over 65. The condition cannot be cured, but it can be treated, and, perhaps more importantly, prevented.

13. Hearing Loss

- With advancing age, there is deterioration of tiny hairs within ear that help process sound. Hence experiencing hearing loss with ageing is common.

- Apart from this, there can also be changes in hearing, for instance having difficulty following a conversation in a noisy area, or having trouble distinguishing certain consonants or certain sounds seeming louder than usual, and voices seeming muffled.

Quick facts for Adults 65+

• 80% have at least 1 chronic condition
• 68% have 2 or more chronic conditions

Tips for Preventing Age-related Diseases

Here are some tips for preventing age-related diseases:

• Stay Physically Active: Physical activity is crucial for maintaining muscle strength and balance, which can reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Regular exercise also helps to keep the heart and lungs healthy and can lower the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking or swimming.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Eating a balanced diet is important for maintaining a healthy weight, getting essential nutrients, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Choose a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol consumption.

• Stay Socially Active: Staying socially engaged is essential for maintaining cognitive function and preventing isolation and depression. Join clubs, volunteer, or attend social events to stay connected with friends and family.
• Get Enough & Restful Sleep: Getting enough sleep of 7-8 hours daily is important for maintaining physical and mental health. Also, following a consistent bedtime routine can help improve sleep.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to development of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Practice stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to reduce stress levels.

• Preventive Healthcare: Regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations is very important during old age as it can help in early detection and prevention of age-related diseases. Talk to your healthcare provider about recommended preventive health measures.
• Avoid Tobacco: Tobacco use increases the risk of chronic diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Avoid tobacco products, and if you do smoke, talk to your healthcare provider about quitting.

• Stay Mentally Active: Staying mentally active can help to prevent cognitive decline and memory loss. Challenge yourself with new hobbies, puzzles, or educational activities.

Conclusion

It’s normal to experience challenges with your physical health as you age and for older adults, good health only becomes more important over time. When you're in good shape physically and mentally, it increases the likelihood of being more independent, secured, and productive as you age. Take small steps to stay healthy as the choices you make today will affect you later.

Frequently Asked Questions on Elderly Diseases

1. Do all old people suffer from some disease?

Age has nothing to do with getting affected by a disease. However, the susceptibility to diseases is comparatively higher in ageing individuals.

2. Whom do I go to for age-related problems?

You may approach your general physician and they will be able to guide you according to your needs.

3. What can I do to age in a healthy manner?

Healthy ageing can be maintained by being physically and mentally active, eating right, exercising etc. For a better understanding, consult your doctor or an expert, who will be able to guide you as per your health history.

Source: VeryWellHealth, NCOA, WebMD