Common Aging Health Issues

It can be a bit nerve-wracking to imagine what’s going to happen to you as you get older. As you age, it’s expected that your body and mind are going to change. However, it’s normal! While your health can be more at risk with old age, you can maintain it by keeping good habits.

Here are common aging health issues:

Cardiovascular System

The most common change older adults experience with the cardiovascular system is the stiffening of their blood cells and arteries. This causes the heart to work harder to pump blood through them. Your heart rate won’t increase during physical activities as much as it used to. However, it will stay primarily the same during rest. These changes raise the chance of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.

Here are ways your loved one can maintain their cardiovascular health:

• Eat a healthy diet, with less saturated fats, and salt
• Incorporate physical activity into routine
• Manage stress
• Don’t smoke
• Get enough sleep

Bones, Joints, and Muscles

Your bones can shrink in size and density as you age. This makes your bones weaken and become more prone to fracture. Weaker bones can affect your coordination, balance, and stability. It can even cause you to lose a bit of your height.

Here are ways your loved one can maintain their bone, joint, and muscle health:

• Consume vitamins and nutrients such as Calcium and Vitamin D
• Avoid substance abuse
• Incorporate physical activity into routine

Your Digestive System

Age-related structural changes and other factors can contribute to older adults experiencing more constipation. Some influences include lack of exercise, a low-fiber diet, and not consuming enough fluids. Medications and certain health conditions such as diabetes can also increase the likelihood of constipation.

Here are ways your loved one can prevent constipation:

• Eat a healthy diet
• Incorporate physical activity into routine
• Don’t hold in the urge to have a bowel movement

Bladder and Urinary Tract Could be One of the Aging Health Issues You Have to Face

Your loved one may have the urge to urinate more since the bladder loses elasticity with age. Weaker bladder muscles and pelvic floor muscles can make it difficult for you to control your bladder or empty it. Certain medications can also cause urinary inconsistency, nerve damage from diabetes, being overweight, and caffeine or alcohol consumption.

Here are ways your loved one can maintain their bladder and urinary tract health:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Use the restroom regularly
• Don’t smoke
• Avoid constipation factors
• Avoid bladder irritants
• Do kegel exercises

Your Memory and Thinking Skills

Your brain is constantly changing especially in old age. Your memory or thinking skills may be minorly affected. This can cause even perfectly healthy older adults to have difficulties multitasking and forget familiar names or words

Here are ways your loved one can maintain their cognitive health:

• Stay mentally and physically active
• Be social
• Eat a healthy diet
• Quit smoking
• Treat cardiovascular disease: cardiovascular risk factors can trigger cognitive decline.

Your Eyes and Ears

With older age, your vision may be more sensitive. It is common for seniors to face difficulties focusing on close-up objects and adapting to different forms of light. Aging can also cause clouded vision (cataracts).

Hearing can also be affected during old age. The elderly can face difficulties hearing in high frequencies.

Here are ways your loved one can maintain their ear and eye health:

• Maintain regular checkups and listen to the advice of doctors
• Take precautions such as wearing sunglasses or using earplugs

Teeth Decay is Another Common Aging Health Issue

There is a reason dentures are a stereotype associated with seniors. It is common for their gums to pull back from their teeth. Also, certain medications older adults take can cause dry mouth. This results in their gums and teeth being more subject to decay and infection.

Here are ways your loved one can maintain their oral health:

• Brush and floss regularly
• Schedule regular checkups with the dentist

Skin More Fragile as You Age

As you age, your skin becomes more fragile and less elastic, which can cause you to bruise more easily. Lower production of natural oils can make your skin drier. Wrinkles, age spots, and skin tags are also common with old age.

Here are ways your loved one can maintain healthy skin:

• Be gentle to the skin and don’t use harsh chemicals
• Take precautions such as using sunscreen
• Don’t smoke

Weight Management Can be an Issue as You Age

Your metabolism slows down with age. So, if you were to decrease your physical activity and continue to eat the same portions, you would gain weight.

Here are ways your loved one can maintain a healthy weight:

• Eat a healthy balanced diet
• Watch portion sizes
• Incorporate physical activity into their routine

Sexuality

Sexual needs and performance can differ as you reach old age. Illness or medication can impact the ability to enjoy intercourse. Women can experience vaginal dryness and men may face impotence.

Here are ways your loved one can maintain their sexual health:

• Get regular exercise
• Talk to their doctor
• Share needs and concerns with a partner

While these changes are common with seniors, it is not guaranteed you will experience all or none. As you are aging, your health quality can depend on a variety of factors such as genetics or your habits.

1+1 Cares is a referral agency that works for clients and caregivers. We match caregivers with clients and inform them of your requirements. We work for you so you and your loved one can have a safe, enjoyable caregiving experience.