Health Issues That Everyone Needs To Look Out For As They Get Older

Ageing brings many changes to our bodies and health. It’s not a cheery sentence to start an article with, is it? But it doesn’t need to be as gloomy as all that. While some decline is inevitable, being proactive allows you to minimise and manage problems that often emerge in older adulthood. Through healthy lifestyle choices, preventative care, and early detection, you can continue thriving in your later years. Here are some key health issues to be aware of.

Heart Health Concerns

As we age, plaque build-up and stiffening of arteries raise the risks for cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular illnesses are a massive problem in the UK (and around the world, really), and it doesn’t help that, according to our health chiefs, a lot of people who have symptoms don’t come forward until it gets really bad. Heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias, and other serious conditions become more likely, especially if you have risk factors like high cholesterol, obesity, or diabetes.

Focus on prevention through diet, exercise, lowering blood pressure and not smoking. Get regular cardiac check-ups to catch any developing issues early. Report new symptoms like chest pain, palpitations or swelling immediately. Don’t ignore heart health.

Weight Gain And Metabolic Slowdown

Many people gradually gain fat and lose muscle mass starting around age 30, partly due to hormonal changes and lower activity levels. Ageing also slows metabolism by up to 2% per decade. Excess weight impacts nearly all aspects of health.

Stay active with both cardio and strength training tailored for your age group. Follow a nutritious, portion-controlled diet with sufficient protein for muscle maintenance. Get checked for thyroid issues or other imbalances that could affect metabolism and weight.

Loss Of Bone Density And Increased Fall Risks

Osteoporosis and osteopenia become more common after 50, especially in women after menopause. Bone density declines, raising the chances of debilitating fractures. Age also affects mobility, reflexes, and balance, increasing falls.

Consume calcium and vitamin D to support bone health. Do weight-bearing and resistance exercises. Consult your doctor about bone density scans and possibly medication if needed. Remove fall hazards at home and be cautious navigating stairs or uneven surfaces.

Sexual Health Issues

Sexual functioning changes as we age, with men often struggling with erectile dysfunction and women experiencing vaginal dryness, atrophy, and decreased arousal/orgasm. Underlying health conditions, certain medications or psychological factors can contribute.

Discuss any concerns with your doctor and partner. Treatments like medications, devices, hormone therapy or lifestyle modifications often help. Emphasise intimacy building and foreplay. Don’t be embarrassed – many couples deal with sexual changes together.

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Loss Of Muscle Mass And Mobility

Sarcopenia, the gradual loss of muscle and strength that begins in your 30s, causes mobility decline and frailty risks. Sedentary lifestyles compound the issue over decades. Weak muscles increase the chance of falls and injuries.

Do strength training 2-3 times per week, with special attention to legs, hips, and core. Include exercises that target balance like tai chi, yoga, or Pilates. Stretch daily, keep moving often and eat sufficient protein. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.

Oral Health Problems

Gum recession and periodontal disease become more prevalent with age, potentially causing tooth loss. Medications often lead to dry mouth, raising decay risks. Oral cancer rates also increase as you get older. See your dentist twice a year, not just to take care of your teeth and gums, but because they can often spot the early warning signs of oral cancer.

Brush and floss thoroughly. Get dental cleanings and exams on schedule. Report any sores, pain or changes you notice promptly. Quit smoking and limit alcohol to protect your mouth. Don’t neglect your oral health as you get older.

Problems With Vision

Most people develop age-related vision declines like presbyopia, cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. Eye diseases manifest more often as you get older. Even mild issues can impact daily function and quality of life.

Get comprehensive eye exams annually. Update your eyeglasses prescription regularly. Early detection gives the best opportunity for the treatment of progressive eye diseases. Report any sudden vision changes or pain immediately. Protect your eyesight by wearing sunglasses on bright days.

Increased Cancer Risks

As we age, accumulated DNA damage raises cancer risks, especially for cancers of the skin, colon, prostate, breast, and lungs. It’s a sad statistic, but someone is diagnosed with cancer every two minutes in the UK. The risk climbs starting around age 50. Routine screening becomes even more crucial for early diagnosis.

Follow screening guidelines tailored to your age, gender, and risk factors. See your doctor about anything unusual like lumps, pain, bleeding, spots, or difficulty swallowing or urinating. Remember that it’s always better to catch cancer as early as possible, so don’t feel like you should keep any worries to yourself. Adopt healthy lifestyle habits and quit smoking to limit cancer risks.

Cognitive Decline Concerns

Mild memory lapses are common with normal ageing. However, serious cognitive issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s also become more prevalent after 65. Staying mentally and socially active seems to help preserve brain function.

Challenge yourself often with brain games, new skills, and hobbies. Read books and take educational courses. Social connections protect against dementia too. Report any notable decline to your doctor for evaluation. Don’t dismiss memory concerns.

High Risk Of Injury

Falls and fractures, often due to decreased mobility and reflexes, are extremely common in the elderly. Even mild falls can cause serious hip fractures, head trauma or disability if bones are fragile. Prevention is key.

Remove household hazards like loose rugs or cables. Install grab bars in bathrooms, handrails on both sides of staircases, ample lighting, and non-slip surfaces. Wear sensible shoes and mobility aids if needed. Be aware of physical limits as you age.

Increased Effects Of Medications

Ageing bodies metabolise drugs slower, making older adults more sensitive to medication side effects. Combining multiple prescriptions raises risks too. Overmedication is a serious concern.

Review all your medications yearly with your doctor and pharmacist. Take the minimum effective doses. Report any side effects or reactions immediately. Keep records of all prescriptions, over-the-counter, herbals, and supplements to avoid harmful interactions.

Poor Sleep Quality

Many older adults struggle with falling asleep, frequent night-time awakenings and daytime drowsiness due to changes in circadian rhythms. Sleep disorders like sleep apnoea and restless legs worsen with age too. Poor sleep impacts overall health.

Aim for 7-8 hours nightly. Adopt good sleep hygiene habits like sticking to a schedule, limiting caffeine, keeping your bedroom dark and cool, and winding down before bed. Treat any underlying conditions interfering with sleep. Review medications with your doctor as well.

The good news is many age-related health issues can be slowed, managed, or treated through healthy choices, regular check-ups, and early intervention. Prioritise disease prevention and well-being. Report new symptoms promptly. Adopt lifestyle measures to take charge of your health as you get older.

 

Feature Photo by Centre for Ageing Better on Unsplash