16 Most Common Health Issues Elderly People Experience
Yes, you know it, aging is inevitable. And often for most of us, this also brings with it various health issues.
Did you know: that approximately 18% of people in the US are 65 years of age or older, and according to the data most are experiencing some kind of health-related issues?
And in some of the population these same “elderly health issues” start arising from the age of 50. Pretty daunting.
These are scary statistics and there are likely many facets to what is causing these health issues to occur.
Although medical infrastructure is continuously improving, even in America, elderly people are also becoming more aware of how to stay healthy or improve their health.
This post, though, is looking at some of the most common health issues that elderly people experience.
So, what are the most common health issues that the elderly experience? Keep reading.
Table of Contents
Most Common Health Issues Elderly Experience
Let’s learn about some common diseases and health issues many elderly suffer.
The correct information about these health-related problems will alert you in advance so you can start prevention and treatment and also look at ways to support someone with one or more of these issues.
Heart Diseases
Heart diseases are among the most common health issues from which approximately 37% of the elderly (65 years or above) suffer.
- Heart-related problems include diseases like congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, etc.
- In congestive heart failure, the heart stops pumping blood adequately, whereas, in coronary heart disease, the coronary cannot deliver an adequate amount of oxygen-rich blood to the heart.
- There can be many reasons for heart disease. But the main reason for this problem in the elderly can be their increasing age, high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, overweight, or causes from lifestyle choices.
- To prevent these problems at the right time, you must get regular health checkups done so that the right treatment can be given at the right time.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease can happen to a person of any age, but kidney-related diseases are more common among the elderly.
At this age, the kidneys of the elderly stop functioning the way they should. These kidney-related diseases are caused by continuous damage and loss of function of the kidneys.
- In the first stage of chronic kidney disease, the GFR of the kidney becomes low, which if not taken care of on time and not treated, can lead to the last stage of kidney failure.
- About 15% of seniors in the US suffer from chronic kidney disease. The risk factors related to this disease are high blood pressure, a history of kidney stones, and long-term use of over-the-counter drugs, etc.
- To control kidney-related diseases, get health checkups done, keep blood pressure under control, and pay attention to your diet and lifestyle.
Respiratory Disease
Respiratory diseases are the next most common health issue that the elderly suffer from.
These problems can cause other health challenges and become a gateway to different diseases and infections.
- If you feel any respiratory problem, it is necessary to get it checked immediately, because if it is not treated quickly, it can even lead to death sooner.
- At least 10-15% of seniors in the US suffer from acute to chronic respiratory diseases.
- Chronic bronchitis, COPD, pulmonary hypertension, chronic cough, and influenza are some of the common respiratory issues.
- These respiratory-related elderly healthcare issues can also lead to other health problems like pneumonia, lung infections, etc.
- These respiratory issues are mostly caused by the weakening of the respiratory muscles and lung function that eventually comes with increasing age. Although it is not possible to prevent it, it can be controlled with the right medicine and treatment.
Cancer
Cancer is one of the most common health issues in the US but the deadliest disease that seniors suffer from. The most common cancers that occur in old age are colon cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, etc.
- Some of these cancer are such that if detected at the right time, they can be treated quickly and loss of life avoided.
- According to the report, about 1000 out of every 100,000 elderly aged 60 years and above are suffering from some form of cancer.
- Therefore, you should get regular checkups done regularly through a mammography, colonoscopy, cystoscopy, skin test, etc.
Alzheimer‘s Disease
According to a report, about 6.7 million elderly who are 65 or older are suffering from Alzheimer’s. This disease is a type of dementia disease, and about 50 to 60 percent of dementia patients suffer from Alzheimer’s.
- The main reason for this disease is increasing age, which scientists have not discovered how to stop or reverse.
- It takes a long time for the symptoms of this disease to appear in the patients. It starts with forgetting small things. But forgetfulness isn’t necessarily a sign of Alzheimer’s.
- This disease affects the cognitive and behavioral abilities of elderly patients. Although there is no cure for this disease, efforts can be made to reduce its symptoms through treatment and medicines.
- Alzheimer’s is known as one of the leading causes of death of elderly patients in the US. The last stage of Alzheimer’s includes brain function loss, dehydration, malnutrition, or infection that can cause death.
- If the elderly health care issues are neglected in this disease, their condition may worsen. Therefore, get regular checkups done. This greatly improves the chances of the disease being detected early and gives access to medicines that can help you control the symptoms and the right supports can be put into place.
Diabetes
The main reason for diabetes is increasing insulin resistance with age in the elderly. Other causes of this disease are decreased muscle mass, reduced physical activity, and being overweight in older people.
- Diabetes is one of the most common health issues in older people. According to a report, about 33% of seniors aged 65 or older in the US are suffering from diabetes.
- The main symptoms of this disease are excessive thirst, feeling exhausted, blurred vision, and slow healing of wounds.
- Along with this, getting diabetes tested is also easy and can be detected at an early stage. This disease occurs due to high blood sugar levels in the body. Therefore, it is easy to diagnose this disease by checking the sugar level with a simple blood test.
- Hence, get yourself checked from time to time, change your lifestyle, do some physical activities or exercise, and keep your sugar level under control. Always remember that diabetes can cause other diseases like heart disease, strokes, and cardiovascular complications.
Shingles
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes painful skin rashes and blisters. The chances of getting this disease increase with age. It is also one of the common health issues among the elderly.
- Mostly, seniors aged 50 suffer from this disease, and the elderly aged 60 or above experience more severe symptoms, if left untreated, can lead to death.
- About one in every two people aged 60 or older in the US suffer from this disease. The symptoms of shingles are headache, fever, burning sensation, fatigue, itching, enlarged lymph nodes, and vision problems.
- This skin condition causes a burning and tingling sensation on rashes, and doctors usually prescribe calamine lotion for cooling sensation. But never initiate treatment yourself and consult a doctor. Vaccination is also available to prevent shingles.
Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease (COPD)
COPD is a type of respiratory disease that is mostly found in the elderly who are 60 or older. This disease is also one of the common health issues. According to the report, about 35% of the elderly aged 65 to 80 years in the US are suffering from this disease.
- In some seniors, this disease may be in the mild or moderate stage, but if the symptoms are not controlled at the right time, then this disease can reach the advanced stage and can even lead to death due to respiratory failure. Diseases like chronic bronchitis and emphysema also come under COPD.
- Although there is no cure for this disease, its symptoms can be controlled through the right medicines. COPD can be detected at early stages through spirometry tests.
- The main symptoms are shortness of breath (SOB), chronic cough, tightness in the chest, respiratory infection, etc.
- The causes of COPD are air pollution and smoking, this disease doesn’t need to occur only in seniors due to these two reasons. Therefore, control the symptoms through timely treatment medicines and follow a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Strokes
Strokes, also known as cerebrovascular and ischemic strokes, is one of the most common health issues and a deadly disease that affects people aged 60 and older. According to reports, approximately 7.4% of the elderly suffer from strokes.
- The blockage of the blood supply to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body causes strokes.
- The main symptoms of this disease are discomfort in speaking, numbness or paralysis in the face, legs, or other body parts, blurred vision, headache, difficulty in walking, etc.
- As said, this disease is fatal, so as soon as you see the symptoms of this disease, immediately consult a doctor.
- Along with this, it is also important to know the main causes of this disease, causes are being overweight, drinking excess alcohol, stress, wrong eating habits, bad lifestyle, high cholesterol, etc.
- If you are suffering from high blood pressure, heart-related disease, or diabetes, then the risk of getting a stroke increases even more. You can control the strokes if you pay attention at the right time.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension occurs when blood pressure is considered higher than the normal range, putting a lot of pressure on the blood vessels.
The normal range for anyone over 65 is under 120 systolic (top number) and 80 Diastolic (bottom number).
High Blood Pressure is not just an issue for seniors, but many people of all ages suffer from this, making it one of the most common health issues.
According to reports, about 70% of elderly aged 65 or above suffer from high blood pressure.
- The causes of high blood pressure are increasing age, being overweight, stress, smoking, dementia, poor diet and lifestyle.
- Other diseases like heart failure, kidney failure, stroke, and dementia can cause high blood pressure. Therefore, get regular checkups and control the causes that increase blood pressure.
Falls
The problem of falling is prevalent among seniors, which can cause serious injury or even death. Falls happen because of limited mobility “physical reconditioning” or relating to other common health issues like arthritis.
- This problem mainly occurs due to the reduced mobility and weakening of the bones and the body due to increasing age.
- Osteoporosis can also cause weak bones and lead to falls. In the US, more than one-third of seniors aged 65 or older fall annually.
- It’s difficult to prevent falls, but by taking the proper security measures, you can minimize them through increasing physical ability, changes in behavior, and implementing support aids like a walking stick or frame.
Hearing Loss
It is common for the elderly to lose hearing with age.
About 35% of seniors aged 65 to 75 in the US suffer from hearing loss. This is a common problem among the elderly, but the biggest reason is related to increasing age. Other causes of hearing loss include drug use and other diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, heart condition, etc.
- The most common hearing problem that occurs with increasing age in the elderly is Presbycusis. Changes in the middle ear, inner ear, or auditory nerve with age result in this disease.
- The first symptom of Presbycusis may be Tinnitus, which is quite common in elderlies. Hearing of ringing, buzzing, clicking, or hissing sounds in the ear is called Tinnitus.
- Various causes of hearing loss include continuous loud sounds, reduced blood circulation, changes in the auditory nerve, family history, and other diseases. Hearing loss in the elderly can cause other diseases as well.
- There can be many other reasons for hearing loss with increasing age, so keep visiting an ENT doctor regularly.
Cataracts
Cataracts are common in the elderly, with approximately 50% of adults aged 75 or older in the US suffering from this problem. The main reason for this problem with increasing age is other diseases that occur with increasing age.
- Cataract causes cloudiness on the eye lens that results in blurry and hazy vision, reduced vision at night, sensitivity to lights, double vision, etc.
- Other aging diseases and lifestyle factors like diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, and steroid medication can also cause cataracts. Due to these diseases and lifestyle factors, cataracts grow rapidly.
- Although there are no early symptoms of cataracts, reduced vision can be one of its symptoms. If you have any eye-related problems, immediately consult a doctor.
Back/Neck Pain
In the US, more than 35 percent of seniors suffer from neck and back pain, a condition that is extremely common among the elderly. The main reason for this problem is increasing age but other diseases and lack of physical activity can also be the reason.
- Degenerative bones, muscle strains, herniated discs, various medical conditions, or poor posture can also be the main factors causing neck pain and back pain.
- Some of the medical conditions that can also participate in neck pain/ back pain are cervical spondylosis, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, fibromyalgia, spinal tumors, etc.
However, neck and back pain are common with age and can’t be stopped. But it can be controlled or minimized by taking the measures at the right time.
That’s why you should not ignore elderly health care issues. Along with maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity in your lifestyle, and if any problem persists, consult a doctor.
Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common health issues that older people suffer from.
About 47 percent of seniors in the US who are aged 65 years or older suffer from this disease. Although there are many types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is a common disease among the elderly.
- In osteoarthritis, the flexible tissues of the bones start wearing out, causing pain in the joints, back, and neck. It is natural for the bones to wear out with age and because of this, the problem occurs.
- Although this problem cannot be prevented, it can be controlled through proper treatment like medicines, self-care, and physiotherapy.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence means a person leaks urine by accident.
Medically known as overactive bladder.
While urinary incontinence in elderly is common, affecting millions nationwide, it’s not considered a normal part of aging and deserves attention.
- Incontinence can occur in both men and women at any age, but is more common among older women affecting about 30% and 15% of older men.
- Incontinence is usually addressed through lifestyle changes ie. exercises, reducing caffeine and alcohol, and fluid intake and also medications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the most common health issues that elderly people experience can have a significant impact on their quality of life.
While some of these conditions are considered a natural part of the aging process, many can be prevented or managed with proper medical care and lifestyle changes.
Therefore, elderly individuals and their caregivers need to be aware of these health issues and take steps to prevent or manage them to ensure a healthy and fulfilling life.
For each health issue section, you can find links to more information on how you as a carer can help support your elderly loved one.
For more information on elderly health issues and taking care of elderly people, check out the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Along with this, regular check-ups, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and staying socially active are some of the ways to maintain good health and well-being in old age.
FAQ:
So, where do I start? How do I start to help my elderly loved one with these issues?
General Tips
- Regular checkups: Encourage regular visits to their doctor and healthcare professionals for early detection and treatment of health problems.
- Healthy lifestyle: Just because they’re elderly now does not mean they can eat whatever. Help promote a balanced diet, regular exercise, and social engagement to maintain overall well-being. This will help reduce the impact of agin.
- Communication: Open and honest communication is crucial to understand their needs and concerns. Let them describe what they’re experiencing.
- Support groups: Connecting with others facing similar challenges can offer emotional and practical support.
Heart Diseases
How can I help someone with heart disease manage their health?
- Encourage healthy eating habits and regular exercise.
- Help them maintain a healthy weight.
- Assist with medication adherence and refill reminders.
- Recognize and act quickly on symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.
- Support their emotional well-being and connect them with support groups.
Resources: American Heart Association, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Chronic Kidney Disease
How can I help someone with kidney disease manage their condition?
- Encourage a healthy diet low in sodium and potassium.
- Assist with managing fluid intake and medication adherence.
- Help them understand their treatment options and attend doctor appointments.
- Offer emotional support and connect them with patient advocacy groups.
Resources: National Kidney Foundation, American Society of Nephrology
Respiratory Disease
How can I help someone with respiratory problems breathe easier?
- Help them manage their medications and use inhalers correctly.
- Encourage smoking cessation and avoidance of air pollution triggers.
- Support participation in pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
- Assist with managing other conditions that can worsen respiratory symptoms.
Resources: American Lung Association, National Institutes of Health – Respiratory Diseases
Cancer
How can I support someone facing cancer?
- Offer emotional support and companionship during treatment.
- Help them navigate the healthcare system and understand their options.
- Assist with transportation, errands, and household tasks.
- Connect them with cancer support groups and resources.
Resources: American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute
Alzheimer’s Disease
How can I help someone with Alzheimer’s disease maintain their quality of life?
- Create a safe and familiar environment with routines and structure.
- Engage them in activities they enjoy and can still manage.
- Help them communicate and participate in social interactions.
- Connect with Alzheimer’s support groups and resources.
Resources: Alzheimer’s Association, National Institute on Aging.
Diabetes
How can I help someone with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels?
- Encourage healthy eating habits and portion control.
- Support physical activity and exercise routines.
- Assist with monitoring blood sugar levels and medication adherence.
- Help them understand and manage diabetes complications.
Resources: American Diabetes Association, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Shingles
How can I help someone prevent or manage shingles?
- Encourage vaccination for shingles prevention.
- Help manage pain and discomfort with medication and home remedies.
- Offer emotional support and understanding during the outbreak.
Resources: American Academy of Dermatology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease (COPD)
How can I help someone with COPD breathe easier?
- Encourage smoking cessation and avoidance of air pollution triggers.
- Help them manage medications and use inhalers correctly.
- Support participation in pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
- Assist with managing other conditions that can worsen COPD symptoms.
Resources: American Lung Association, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Strokes
How can I recognize and respond to a stroke?
- Learn and recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke (F.A.S.T.: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services).
- Act quickly and call emergency services immediately if you suspect a stroke.
- Support the person during recovery and connect them with rehabilitation resources.
Resources: American Stroke Association, National Institutes of Health – Stroke
Osteoarthritis
How can I help someone with osteoarthritis manage their pain?
- Encourage them to stay active: Regular exercise strengthens muscles around the joints and improves mobility. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga are beneficial.
- Help them manage their weight: Excess weight puts additional stress on joints. Support them in adopting a healthy diet and portion control.
- Assist with applying heat or cold therapy: Apply heat packs to relieve stiffness and cold packs to reduce inflammation.
- Help them with daily tasks: Assist with activities like bending, lifting, and climbing stairs, which can be challenging with osteoarthritis.
- Research alternative therapies: Explore options like acupuncture, massage therapy, or tai chi, which some find helpful for pain management.
What resources can I provide to someone with osteoarthritis?
- Connect them with support groups: Joining a support group can offer emotional support and connect them with others facing similar challenges.
- Share educational resources: Provide information about osteoarthritis, treatment options, and pain management strategies.
- Help them find a physical therapist: A physical therapist can create an individualized exercise program to improve strength and flexibility.
- Assist them in researching assistive devices: Canes, walkers, or grab bars can make daily activities easier and safer.
Urinary Incontinence
How can I help someone with urinary incontinence manage their symptoms?
- Encourage pelvic floor exercises: These exercises strengthen the muscles that control urination and can reduce leakage.
- Help them manage fluid intake: Limiting fluids before bedtime and avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol can be helpful.
- Assist with bladder training: This involves scheduling bathroom visits at regular intervals to help regain bladder control.
- Talk to their doctor about medication: Medications can help relax the bladder muscles or increase urine storage capacity.
- Explore absorbent products: Pads, briefs, and liners can help manage incontinence and provide peace of mind.
What resources can I provide to someone with urinary incontinence?
- Connect them with a continence specialist: This healthcare professional can assess their specific needs and recommend treatment options.
- Share educational resources: Provide information about urinary incontinence, causes, and management strategies.
- Help them find support groups: Joining a support group can offer emotional support and connect them with others facing similar challenges.
- Assist them in researching absorbent products: Different products offer varying levels of absorption and comfort. Help them find the best fit for their needs.
- Talk to their doctor about pelvic floor muscle therapy: A physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor muscles can provide targeted exercises to improve bladder control.
Remember: These are just general guidelines. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment plans.
Additional Resources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:https://www.cdc.gov/aging/olderadultsandhealthyaging/index.html
- National Institute on Aging: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoarthritis/more-info
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559095/
- American Physical Therapy Association: https://www.apta.org/