Modern healthcare systems have increased life expectancy. However, with increasing age, the frequency of your visits to the geriatric care hospital in Kolhapur also increases. According to the CDC, many elders above 65 have at least one medical condition.
Obesity, for example, is quite prevalent in elders. This alone increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart conditions, and even certain types of cancers. These stats raise the question: What are the common health problems in the elderly? Let’s find out.
High Blood Pressure
Hypertension doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms, making it go undetected until a serious complication occurs. The two common things that affect your blood pressure are: the volume of blood that your heart pumps and the health of your arteries. Blood pressure rises when your heart pumps a considerable amount of blood, which doesn’t easily pass through the blocked or narrowed arteries. Unfortunately, with age, the risk of hypertension increases.
Arthritis
Many elders complain about stiff joints or debilitating pain in their knees, hands, spine, or hips. Age-related wear and tear in the cartilage can lead to osteoarthritis, which doesn’t just cause pain but also limits mobility. Treatment usually includes pain-relief and anti-inflammatory medication combined with physiotherapy and weight management. Surgery to replace the damaged joint is the last resort.
Diabetes
Insulin transports glucose from the bloodstream to your cells, where it’s used for energy. When your body doesn’t make sufficient insulin, or your cells do not use it properly (become resistant to it), the glucose remains in your bloodstream. This leads to high sugar levels. Over time, excess sugar in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision loss.
Heart Diseases
Heart issues become more common with increasing age. Your heart works nonstop to supply oxygen and nutrients to the body. Over time, the heart could become enlarged, develop muscle mass, and might become less efficient at meeting your body’s needs. Elders, especially those with a family history of heart disease, can develop high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.
Vision Problems
Your eyesight changes with age. Vision problems, such as difficulty reading, blurred vision, and increased sensitivity to light, become a reality for many older people. Eye issues, such as glaucoma and cataract, also become a common concern. It’s important to see an ophthalmologist for regular eye checkups. Early detection and prompt treatment can prevent complications due to poor vision.
Hearing Loss
Another commonly overlooked concern among elders is hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss happens gradually. Many elders experience difficulty hearing low voices. Some also report difficulty understanding conversations in a noisy place. An ENT specialist or a general physician in Kolhapur at WIINS Hospitals may recommend hearing aids or assistive devices that can help improve your hearing.
Memory Changes
Age-related memory issues are quite prevalent among seniors. Forgetting where your wallet or keys are is common, but when you start forgetting every little thing regularly, then it may be a sign of memory issues. Cognitive impairment and dementia can make life difficult. While certain cognitive issues are irreversible, a proper routine and medications can help manage them.
