As we get older we experience all sorts of benefits. We develop more wisdom, we have more experience, and many of us experience greater inner peace. Yet, as much as we may be growing into better versions of ourselves, age also comes with physical limitations.
You may find yourself more susceptible to certain health concerns after a certain age, which is why it’s so important to know how to avoid them. Here are some common health concerns for people over 70, and some tips on how to prevent and manage them.
Arthritis
Arthritis is up at the top of the list as one of the most prevalent issues among seniors. Arthritis affects your joint health and causes a significant amount of pain and stiffness. In addition to discomfort and stiffness, you may also experience limited mobility. As your joint cartilage wears down over time, you may develop osteoarthritis which can affect your ability to carry out basic tasks.
To prevent developing arthritis, it’s helpful to engage in low-impact activities like walking or swimming. Physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications can also help manage this condition and help ease your symptoms accordingly.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is a serious risk that increases with age. The likelihood is driven by factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol, often brought on by certain lifestyle habits. To prevent heart disease, you should engage in regular physical activity, and eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated fats and sodium. Perhaps most important is attending regular health screenings, as this will help identify any red flags that call for attention.
Diabetes
Diabetes can often appear later in life and can affect your overall energy and health. One of the best ways to prevent diabetes is by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising and monitoring your blood sugar levels. Your healthcare provider may help recommend certain medications to help manage your glucose levels if diabetes has become a concern.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens your bones and ultimately increases the risk of fracturing or breaking them. Unfortunately, bone density loss is a part of aging, yet some people experience it at higher levels than others. If you don’t manage it accordingly, it can become more and more severe over the years without the proper care.
By engaging in regular weight-bearing activities and consuming plenty of calcium and vitamin D, you can maintain your bone density and ultimately reduce the risk of fractures.
Cognitive Decline
Memory and cognitive decline are increasingly common in older folks since your brain and memory start to degrade naturally over time.
And while a little bit of brain frog is perfectly normal, sometimes it’s something much more serious like dementia. To preserve your memory, it helps to engage in activities like puzzles, memory games, and reading as much as possible.
