Old age brings opportunities to enjoy life with family and loved ones, chance to pursue new activities and passion. However, it is characterised by multiple health challenges.
According to the World Health Organization, the number of people aged 60 years and older will increase from 1 billion in 2019 to 1.4 billion by 2030 and 2.1 billion by 2050. As the world experiences increase in the population of older people, below are common health issues to take note of:
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar). There are 2 types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an auto immune disease where by the immune system attacks and destroy cells in the pancreas, where insulin is made while Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, and sugar builds up in your blood.
Diabetes can affect many parts of the body and cause serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems and more. Also, people with type 2 diabetes may be at greater risk for cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Symptoms of this ailment are: increased hunger, increased thirst, frequent urination, sores that won’t heal, blurry vision, extreme fatigue. Diabetes in old age can be managed effectively and quality of life maintained for a long period especially when medications are used properly and regularly.
Hypertension
Hypertension is also known as High Blood Pressure. It is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure. Blood is carried from the heart to all parts of the body in the vessels, so each time the heartbeats, it pumps blood into the vessels. Blood pressure is created by the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels (arteries) as it is pumped by the heart. The higher the pressure, the harder the heart has to pump.
Poor controlled hypertension may lead to death or disability such as heart disease, heart failure, stroke in older adults. It can be managed and reduced by managing mental stress, eating healthy (low cholesterol), regular checkup and proper use of medication.
Oral Health
This one of the most important issues for the elderly. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Oral Health found that about 25 percent of adults over the age of 65 no longer have their natural teeth. Problems such as cavities and tooth decay can lead to difficulty maintaining a healthy diet, low self-esteem, and other health conditions.
Oral health issues associated with older adults are dry mouth, gum disease and mouth cancer. It can be managed or prevented by making regular dental check-ups.
Arthritis
Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. The major symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. It is more common among adults aged 65 years or older, but it can affect people of all ages, including children.
The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes cartilage while Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints.
Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis. The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Physical therapy is an effective and core component of arthritis treatment. It involves exercises that help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint.
Dementia
Dementia is a progressive disorder that affects memory and overall brain function. It is relatively common in older people, affecting around 1 in 14 people over 65. This increases to 1 in 6 people over the age of 80.
The most common and well-known form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Vascular dementia is another type of dementia that develops as a result of a stroke or blood vessel deterioration. Symptoms od dementia include:
- Difficulty remembering recent events.
- Problems in conversation – struggling to follow along or to find the right words.
- Difficulty judging distance.
- Forgetting where you are or what date it is.
Depending on the cause, some dementia symptoms may be reversible.
