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Good news! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 41% of adults aged 65 and older report that they are in good senior health. In a separate report, CDC says that once American adults reach the age of 65, they can live another 19.3 years on average. If you make healthy lifestyle choices in your youth, like quitting smoking and exercising, supported by a balanced diet; then you have a chance to belong in this healthy demographic.
On the other hand, for many, senior living means coping and managing health concerns, affecting the overall quality of their life. By learning about their health concerns, perhaps we could be more aware of our own health and of the conditions of our senior loved ones.
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The Top 10 Most Common Health Problems of Older Adults
1. Arthritis
CDC estimates that arthritis affects 49.7 percent of all adults over 65, causing them pain and a lower quality of life. Although arthritis can discourage seniors from being active, it is still important for them to consult with their doctors for a personalized activity plan, along with treatments, so they can still maintain their senior health.
2. Heart Disease
Heart disease remains to be the top killer for senior adults, according to the CDC. This chronic condition affects 37 percent of men and 26 percent of women 65 and older, according to the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. This is common because of the increasing risk factors that people get as they age, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
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3. Cancer
The risk for cancer also increases as a person ages. CDC reports that this is the second leading cause of death among adults 65 years old and above. They also report that this is more common with men as 28 percent of men over 65 live with cancer; while with women, it is 21 percent.
4. Respiratory Diseases
The third most common cause of death among adults over 65 years old is a chronic lower respiratory disease. Among this age group, about 10 percent of men and 13 percent of women are living with asthma. 10 percent of men and 11 percent of women over 65 are living with chronic bronchitis or emphysema, according to the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. These conditions heighten other health risks, making seniors more vulnerable to pneumonia and other infections.
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5. Alzheimer’s Disease
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 9 people aged 65 and older, which is about 11 percent, have Alzheimer’s disease. Cognitive impairment and memory loss have significant impacts to senior health, from issues of safety to self-care, and to the cost of care.
6. Osteoporosis
The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that around 54 million Americans over age 50 are affected by osteoporosis. This puts our senior adults at risk for fractures that could lead to permanent damages, poor senior health and reduced quality of life.
7. Diabetes
25 percent of people ages 65 and older are living with diabetes, a significant senior health risk, according to CDC data. The disease can be identified and addressed early with simple blood tests for blood sugar levels. So as soon as you find your risks to diabetes, it is time to improve your long-term senior health outlook.
8. Influenza and Pneumonia
The flu and pneumonia aren’t chronic conditions, but these infections are among the top eight causes of death in people over age 65, according to the CDC. Seniors are more vulnerable to these diseases and less able to fight them off. Maintaining regular vaccination shots against disease is a no-fail way to prevent these from coming.
9. Falls
Each year, 2.5 million senior adults are rushed to emergency rooms because of falls. And one-third of this demographic who go to the emergency room will most likely find their way back within the year. Most falls occur at home due to tripping hazards, so it is important to design your home free from hazards. Senior living communities are also specifically designed to prevent these types of accidents.
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10. Substance Abuse
Many older adults have had a substance or alcohol abuse problem at some point in their lives, with alcohol and tobacco on top of their list. This is probably because of possible interactions with prescription medication, their impact on overall health, and the increased senior health risks.
Making the Healthy and Caring Decision
Though our beloved seniors face these health concerns, they still have a chance to live a quality and fulfilled life with proper care and assistance. Blue Skies Homes offer a variety of senior living options that could help seniors maintain their health and enjoy their remaining years. Contact us today.
Recommended Assisted Living Locations:
- Blue Skies of Tri-city – Assisted living
3218 Mira Mesa Ave, Oceanside, CA 92056, United States - Blue Skies of Temecula – Assisted Living
45410 Bayberry Pl, Temecula, CA 92592, United States - Blue Skies of San Marcos – Assisted Living
1119 Via Vera Cruz, San Marcos, CA 92078, United States - Blue Skies of Oceanside – Assisted Living
322 Keyport St, Oceanside, CA 92057, United States - Blue Skies of Laguna Niguel – Assisted Living
25437 Via Estudio, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677, United States - Blue Skies of Laguna Hills – Assisted Living
25811 Tree Top Rd, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, United States
