Growing older can feel incredibly daunting – and while it’s only natural, it’s easy to worry about what lies ahead. From the memory loss to the mobility issues that affect your lifestyle, it might be a scary prospect to think about. If you’re heading towards retirement, then there are certain inevitabilities to expect that naturally come with aging. And while it might feel negative to consider, it’s important to be as prepared as possible for the future and what potential issues could affect you. To help guide you, here is a list of 10 of the most common health issues that you could face as you age.
Mobility Issues
As mentioned above, issues with mobility start to occur for many people as they age. This decline in mobility starts to affect your ability to climb stairs, walk long distances and do other activities that used to be easier when you were younger. But don’t worry, there are solutions out there that assist with your mobility. This support could include the likes of assisted living to mobility aids – for example, mobility scooters, stair-lifts and walkers.
Problems with Oral Health
Another significant health issue that is faced by those growing older is posed by their oral health. Because of tooth decay and cavities, a large portion of the older generation no longer have their natural teeth. This leads to low self-esteem and other health conditions. Thankfully, these can be maintained and the risk can be prevented by arranging regular check-ups with your dentist. To replace missing teeth, there are also options available such as these Affordable Dentures.
Loss of Sight
Although this can happen at any stage in life, it’s a particularly common issue faced by those in their later years. Of course, the degree of sight loss will depend on the individual, but it can bring frustration and stress. There are ways, however, that can help with this such as through wearing progressive eyeglasses.
Loss of Hearing
Age-related hearing loss is a genetic condition that makes it difficult for a person to hear what’s going on around them or to tolerate loud sounds. Typically occurring in both ears equally, the loss occurs gradually over time. For age-related hearing loss, hearing aids are often recommended. Loss of hearing is a really common health issues you could face as you age, for both men and women.
Cognitive Health Issues
Another health issue that you could face as you age is associated with your cognitive health. This directly affects your ability to remember, think and learn new things. And one that’s particularly prominent is dementia. However, even if dementia isn’t likely in your family, memory loss is likely to be an issue.
Even though there’s no real way to fully prevent this from happening, there are ways to help with it. For example, you could try to keep your brain active through completing puzzles, reading and other activities which are designed to assist with brain function. Loss of cognitive ability and dementia are cruel common health issues you could face as you age.
Chronic Health Issues
As you start to age, your body starts to become more susceptible to certain chronic conditions – including heart disease, strokes, diabetes and cancer. Because these chronic health issues affect a large part of the population, it’s important to know how to prevent the risk and manage them in the future.
As well as trying to avoid smoking, eating healthily and keeping alcohol consumption low, it’s important to try and attend annual checkups with your doctor. This way, you’ll have first-hand advice on how to care for your health using methods that are suitable for you.
Menopause
A natural part of aging for women involves facing menopause. A common stage in life for those aged 40 and over, it can affect your overall health and will bring changes to your hormones. Although it can’t be avoided, it’s good to know what the typical symptoms include, these are:
- High levels of anxiety
- Hot flashes
- Depression
- Difficulty sleeping
- Reduction and stopping of periods
Once you’ve gone through menopause, you could face issues such as osteoporosis because of the loss of bone mass that comes as a result of it.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Caused by a blood clot within your deep veins, Deep Vein Thrombosis is typically found in the legs. Those over 40 are at particular risk of this condition. And while it on its own can be very painful, the fact that it can lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism (when the blood clot travels to the heart or lungs) make it a particularly dangerous condition.
There are certain factors that can result in DVT, including a family history of blood clots, damage to blood vessels (due to prolonged smoking habits), obesity and being inactive for long periods of time. The initial symptoms of DVT include:
- Warm skin where the clot has occurred
- Discoloration of skin
- Swelling and cramps in the affected area
- Pain in the ankle or foot
To help with this issue, a doctor may recommend certain blood-thinning medication, compression stockings to ease the swelling, etc. Alongside this, they may recommend certain lifestyle changes to assist with the healing and prevention of blood clots in the future.
Depression
Another unfortunate health issue that can be faced by people when they age is depression. Some days might feel unbearable and extremely negative – just two emotions that depression can bring with it.
However, despite the large percentage that have experienced this at one stage or another in their life, it’s important to acknowledge what treatment is out there to help with it. Not only can regular therapy and medication help, but by prioritizing socializing and physical activity in your everyday life, it will prevent overthinking and boost happiness.
Arthritis
Similarly to osteoporosis, arthritis is easily one of the most common health issues faced by people over the age of 50. Leading to everyday pain (whether it’s in the wrists, feet or another part of the body) and a lower quality of life in certain cases, it’s essential to know what to do if you face it. This is where medical assistance can come in.
Not only can a doctor recommend suitable medication to help ease the pain, but they can develop a personalized plan that includes what activity you can do, any changes that are necessary to your lifestyle, etc. That is why it’s worth booking appointments with your doctor if you notice any warning signs ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
So, there you go! Those are 10 of the most common health issues you could face as you age. It’s essential to recognize that not everyone will face these issues, but that if they are likely, you know what to do. Of course, not everything in life can be prevented. But by knowing the little things you can do to help to try to prevent them, you’ll be in a far better place in the future when it comes to your health.
Alongside this, it’s vital to realize that you’re never on your own and that there is always support available if and when you need it. Although it might feel very negative, it’s also important to try to stay positive throughout life. There are many wonderful things to look forward to – it’s not all downhill from here!
There’s no denying that life can be unpredictable and can throw you some curve balls, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be waiting for one of these conditions to strike. By living your life one day at a time, you’ll feel a lot happier, resulting in a far more fruitful life that you love. Start now to help prevent these common health issues you could face as you age.
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