Common Diseases in Old Age,Age is increasing day by day and as age increases, many types of changes start happening in the body. Which includes both mental and physical changes. With increasing age, bones become weak. Immunity starts decreasing. Due to which various types of body functions also start slowing down. And due to all these actions, many types of diseases start appearing in the elderly. With time, it is also important for us to identify and know about diseases.
Because if the disease is detected at the right time, the quality of life can be improved with treatment. Many times it happens that if the symptoms of diseases of the elderly are ignored, then it creates serious problems later.
Let us try to understand about the diseases occurring in the elderly with increasing age through this article.
- Which diseases are common in the elderly?
- What are their symptoms?
- What are the ways to prevent them?
If you are a senior citizen or you are taking care of your elderly parents, then this information is going to prove very useful for you.
Reasons for increasing health risks in old age
With increasing age, physical and mental changes start taking place. Which affects health a lot. Due to which the risk of diseases starts increasing. We will discuss various types of health risks in old age.
Natural wear and tear:- With increasing age, various parts of the body gradually start getting worn out. In which the flexibility of joints decreases. And the muscles start getting weak. The cells of the body do not work like before. Due to all these reasons, arthritis, osteoporosis and various types of bone problems start occurring.
Decrease in immune system:- With increasing age, the body’s immunity starts decreasing. Due to which, in old age, one can get infected with infection, flu and many other diseases very quickly. And it may take a long time to recover from them.
Wrong lifestyle or genetic reasons:- Wrong lifestyle means when any person lives his life in childhood or youth. Then he has wrong food habits during his time like smoking, alcohol consumption and lack of exercise and there can be many other reasons. The effect of which starts showing in old age. Apart from this, there are some diseases which are also genetic. These include diabetes, heart disease and many types of cancer, which increase even more with age.
Need for regular checkup:- It is very important for you to get regular checkups done in old age. There are many diseases which do not have any clear symptoms. Even when these diseases start, we cannot know that there is any disease in the body. In such a case, through regular check-ups, we get to know about the initial stage of the disease and by identifying it correctly, serious problems can be avoided.
Major diseases in old age
With increasing age, many diseases start occurring in the body, some of the major diseases have been discussed below.
Arthritis:-
Disease and symptoms:-
Arthritis is one of the common diseases in old age, which causes joint pain, swelling and difficulty in walking and daily activities.
Its causes and types:-
Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear of bone joints with increasing age.
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease. In this, the body’s immune system attacks or affects the joints.
Its remedies:-
- You have to exercise regularly.
- Keep your weight under control.
- Take physiotherapy and pain relievers.
- Take medicines only after consulting a doctor or specialist.
Heart disease:-
Common conditions:
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
Risks and their symptoms:-
- Chest pain or nervousness.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Body fatigue and dizziness.
- History of heart disease in the family.
Prevention measures:-
- Low salt intake and low fat diet.
- Regular exercise.
- Avoid stress.
- Regular blood pressure and cholesterol checkup.
Type 2 diabetes:-
This disease develops in old age. It reduces the body’s ability to use insulin as age increases. And due to this, blood sugar starts increasing.
Its symptoms:- Feeling of excessive hunger and thirst. Frequent urination. Fatigue and weight loss. Lack of healing of any type of wound.
Need for change in your eating habits and lifestyle:- Take a balanced diet. Avoid sugar and any type of processed food. Regular walking and yoga etc. Use of medicines suggested by the doctor. Common Diseases in Old Age
Osteoporosis:-
Weakening of bones and fractures in them. In this type of disease, bones become very weak. Any type of injury causes immediate fracture.
Risk factors and prevention:- Women are at the highest risk after menopause. Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption. Lack of calcium and vitamin D in the body.
Importance of calcium and vitamin D for the body:-
- It strengthens the bones of the body.
- Use milk, curd, sunlight and supplements in your regular diet.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Memory loss and mental decline:- This is a serious problem in mental illness. It reduces the ability to think, remember and make decisions.
Early signs and its stages:- Forgetting recent things. Difficulty in doing simple tasks. Problem with language or misnaming things.
Its care and support:- Secluded and quiet environment for the patient. Maintaining regular routing. Promoting mental activities. Following the advice of the doctor or experts.
Weakness in seeing and hearing
Eye problems:-
- Cataract
- Glaucoma
- Macular Dissertation @
Hearing problems:
Hearing ability decreases with age Asking something repeatedly and increasing the volume of the TV
Special equipment and treatment:
Glasses, lenses and hearing aids But keep checking the eyes and ears. Operation can also be done.
Cancer
Prostate cancer, Brest cancer, Colon cancer, Lung cancer
The importance of screening for identification in the early stage is the cure. Regular checkups like mammography, PSA test, colonoscopy.
Treatment options: Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery Pain management and palliative care
Different types of depression and mental health problems
Some mental challenges in old age
- Loneliness and social isolation
- Effect of death or retirement of spouse
- Lack of confidence
Some symptoms that are often overlooked: Persistent sadness, Lack of sleep or sleeping more than required, Lack of appetite, loss of appetite Thought of suicide
Support and treatment available for this: Support from family and friends Therapy, counseling and meditation Consultation with an expert for mental health
Prevention and management of diseases caused by aging
Diseases occurring in the body with increasing age are common, but with the right information and proper care, they can be controlled. Here are some important measures being told to you. With the help of which you can take better care of the health of the elderly and help them to remain active.
Proper diet and physical activity:
The digestive system becomes weak with increasing age. Your digestive system is unable to digest everything, so you should eat light and nutritious food. A mixture of green vegetables, fruits, whole grains and pulses. Especially avoid sugar, salt and fried foods. Drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich food.
Some important physical activities:
You should do regular exercise, which also improves your physical and mental health. Light walk in the morning and do stretching. Choose exercise according to your age and physical ability. Do any activity for half an hour at least 5 days a week.
Special care of mental health:
Loneliness, anxiety and depression are common problems especially in the elderly, so you need to pay special attention to mental health as well. Spend time with your close ones, family and friends Do your favourite activities like – music, reading books and gardening Practice meditation, yoga and pranayama Consult a psychiatrist in case of any kind of mental stress
Do regular medical checkups:
There are many diseases that start without any symptoms. Regular checkups can identify them on time and treat them. Do regular checkups of blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol. Eye, teeth, bone and hearing checkups. Get cancer screening like mammography, get vaccinated. Common Diseases in Old Age
Need for support and cooperation:
Emotional support and social support is very important for people in old age. Stay connected with family, friends and neighbours. Join an old age home, religious or any social organization. Take the help of a care giver or nurse if needed Nowadays there are different types of technology, use them and make video calls, health apps and set alarms.
With the help of these remedies, not only can diseases be controlled but a healthy and happy life can be lived.
When is it right to consult a doctor?
It is normal to have minor diseases in old age but it is important to take special care of some things. If symptoms like frequent fatigue, weight loss, constant pain, breathing problems, lack of memory or mood swings are seen, then these should not be ignored at all, these can be signs of a serious disease. For this, consult a doctor at the right time and get treatment after finding out the initial stage of the disease.
Treatment may get affected. You should stay aware of these signs and plan regular checkups. Any elderly person can be kept healthy and safe.
Conclusion
With increasing age, diseases like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, vision-hearing weakness, cancer and mental health usually occur in old age. Common Diseases in Old Age
These diseases usually happen to everyone because they are caused by mental changes that occur with increasing age, but with the right information and timely treatment, their lifestyle can be improved.
The elderly can be controlled. They can be kept healthy by regular checkups and taking care of them, always being alert and taking timely medical advice.
End Appeal: If you or any of your family members are feeling such symptoms, then immediately contact a doctor or specialist, so take personal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Q. Which is the most common disease in old age?
Ans. Arthritis, heart disease and diabetes (type 2 diabetes).
Q. Does old age cause mental illness?
Ans.Yes, with increasing age, the risk of mental problems like dementia, Alzheimer’s and depression increases. It can be controlled with timely identification and monthly support.
Q. Can diseases be prevented with regular checkups?
Ans. Yes, with regular checkups, diseases are identified in time and their treatment is possible.
Q. If someone lives alone, how should I take care of them?
Ans. Always keep in touch with them, take care of medical checkups.
Take help of a caregiver and keep them busy on a monthly basis.
Send feedback
Read also:-summer sickness in kids:top 5 to watchhttps://imhoro.com/summer-sickness-in-kidstop-5-to-watch/
facebook:-imhoro communityhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575370258519
Written by Suraj Horo
