Common health concerns for seniors

1. Common Health Concerns for Seniors

2. Lifespans in America are getting longer. On average, when a person reaches 65, he or she has almost 20 years left. However, the odds of developing a chronic health condition increase as individuals get older. Some problems are life-threatening, while others lower the quality of life. The good news is that these medical conditions can be managed effectively. .

3. Arthritis "Arthritis" is actually a catch-all term that includes more than a hundred medical conditions that cause joint pain. Inflammation of the joints is a frequent symptom. Arthritis can strike at any age, but it is strongly associated with age. Almost half of all Americans age 65 and older have some form of arthritis.Severe arthritis can restrict movements, and make it difficult to perform normal activities.

4. Heart Diseases Heart diseases are the leading cause of death among seniors in the United States. There are several common conditions referred to as heart disease. Arteriosclerosis is a narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup. If a blood clot forms, this can block blood flow, and cause a heart attack. Congestive heart failure means the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Heart valve problems and irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) are other major heart diseases. These conditions are treatable using surgery, medication, diet and exercise. If heart disease is managed properly, people often enjoy many years of active life.

5. Respiratory Diseases Respiratory diseases are a leading cause of death among seniors. Common conditions include asthma, which leads to difficulty breathing, and pneumonia. Of major concern is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. With COPD, air sacs in the lungs are damaged (referred to as emphysema), and this combines with chronic bronchitis or inflammation of mucous membranes to produce coughing and difficulty breathing. Respiratory diseases can be managed with medication exercise, and smoking cessation.

6. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis means loss of bone mass. This is common among seniors and makes bones brittle and easily broken. The risk of a serious fracture due to a fall goes up dramatically. Osteoporosis is treatable with proper medication. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is also helpful.

7. Diabetes When a person has diabetes, the body can't produce enough insulin to properly regulate the level of glucose or blood sugar. Diabetes may be diagnosed with a blood sugar test. Proper management of diabetes is a must. If blood sugar gets out of control it can lead to a diabetic coma and death. In addition, long-term effects can cause damage to vision, blood vessels, kidneys and legs. Diabetes is treatable with insulin, other medications, diet and exercise.

8. With all of these age-related conditions, being proactive is critical. Healthy lifestyle choices like proper diet, exercise and breaking unhealthy habits like smoking can enable a senior to remain active for years.

9. With Thanks At Home Care Assistance of South Jersey, we help seniors by providing trained, compassionate caregivers that supply assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., meal preparation, medication reminders, personal care, etc.). We invite you to call us today to speak with a professional care manager at 856-396-6414 about our services. Home Care Assistance South Jersey Address : 28 N Maple Ave Evesham Township,NJ 08053 Contact # 856-396-6414 http://homecareassistancesouthjersey.com/