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Common Health Problems That Can Hit After a Certain Age

Nov 16, 2022

Aging Parents

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The number of elders globally is increasing greatly and is expected to be around 1.4 billion by 2050. By then, the world's population of people over 60 years will also double to 2.1 billion, and people aged 80 or above are projected to triple, from 143 million in 2019 to 426 million in 2050.

Aging is a continuous and progressive deterioration of a person's physiological functions, leading to decreased productivity. However, technical advancement and proficient home care services are revolutionizing how the world perceives and cares for older adults. 

Healthy aging concentrates on the efficient management and control of illnesses in older people, providing a peaceful and lively retirement life.

Common Chronic Conditions in Older Adults Which Require Caregivers 

As people get older, they are prone to experiencing various conditions. These include cataracts, hearing loss, osteoarthritis, diabetes, and depression. The development of complex health states is a geriatric syndrome common in older adults. These conditions can result from various underlying factors such as diabetes, frailty, and urinary incontinence. Such disturbances can sometimes negatively affect the brain and cause mental disorders. A study shows that approximately 15% of adults aged 60 and over have a mental disorder.

Read on to learn about the common conditions in older adults:

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a common elderly lung disease that affects people worldwide. It can cause limited airflow in and out of the lungs due to abnormal changes in the small airways. Some causes include the destruction of the lung's components, inflammation, and mucus build-up. COPD, known as chronic bronchitis or emphysema, usually involves the destruction of the tiny air sacs at the end of the airways in the lungs. COPD can cause coughing and difficulty breathing, and people with this condition can also have both.

  • Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia 

A study shows that Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.

Alzheimer's is a brain disorder that affects a person's memory and gradually decreases their ability to perform everyday tasks. The symptoms of this condition usually appear in people in their 60s. Early-onset Alzheimer's disease is a rare condition that affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 60.

Dementia can be progressive. It affects various cognitive functions such as memory, orientation, comprehension, language, and learning. It leads to changes in mood and behavior. Although consciousness is not affected, the impairment occurs with changes in motivation and behavior.

  • Heart failure

Heart failure is when the heart cannot provide enough oxygen and nutrients to tissues. Some factors triggering this condition include changes in the heart's relaxation and filling. Patients with heart failure require a preserved ejection fraction.  Around 6.2 million adults are diagnosed with this in the US.

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) 

Another common elderly disease is high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.  Blood vessel changes in the body lead to hypertension. People with healthy habits and no symptoms may increase their blood pressure. High blood pressure is a very common health condition, yet many people don't realize they have it.

  • Diabetes

The body uses glucose, which is a by-product of food, to provide us with energy. To do so, it needs insulin, a hormone that helps glucose get into our cells. Diabetes can prevent the body from producing enough insulin. 

Many older adults are affected by diabetes, a severe disease that can affect their blood glucose levels. People with this condition usually get it when their blood sugar levels are high. Fortunately, some ways can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Role of Caregivers in These Conditions

Living alone can be threatening for your elderly loved ones due to various health conditions and age-related factors. As they age, they tend to need more assistance and require medication and safety care services. This is where the senior home care and aging services come in to help. Caregivers help older people with various tasks, such as recovering from surgery or a prolonged illness. They also are a vital part of the emotional support to our senior loved ones.

Since chronic diseases are persistent, older adults must take the necessary medication and safety care services to maintain their health. A well-defined chronic care management team can help them manage their conditions and improve their quality of life. As age-related issues increase in older adults, geriatric medicine becomes more critical for their medical care. Having a Senior home care team can help keep your elderly loved ones healthy and prevent them from experiencing poor health.

Need Help in Combating Common Health Problems? Contact Newport Home Care

At Newport Home Care, we provide in-home care services to maintain our client's independence and quality of life. Our skilled and experienced in-home care providers are committed to providing older people with the best aging care to meet their requirements. Contact us or schedule an appointment to meet one of our experts at Newport Home Care if you are looking for caregivers anywhere in Orange County

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