The 10 Biggest Health Concerns for Seniors

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that once you hit the age of 65 years old, people live an additional 19.3 years on average! As you age, however, it’s critical to make healthy choices and take any medications regularly. Below are several health issues that seniors must be mindful of.

1. Arthritis is a major concern for those over the age of 65, and unfortunately, the pain can be overwhelming. While arthritis can make it difficult to enjoy your favorite physical activities, it’s important to work with your doctor to create a daily activity plan.
2. Heart Disease is another concern among senior citizens, so it’s important to pay attention to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. By creating a healthy diet filled with fruits and veggies, you’re doing your heart a great big favor! Also, it’s time to quit smoking!
3. Osteoporosis means bones tend to break down quicker than they build up, and they’re a bit more brittle. Typically there are no warning signs until someone fractures or breaks a hip, wrist, foot, etc. By adding calcium into your diet, it’s easier to improve muscle and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
4. Periodontitis is more common among senior citizens, and it typically starts as gingivitis. Gingivitis is easily preventable if you brush twice a day and floss regularly. If you avoid the proper oral hygiene, however, tartar will build up and could lead to a bacterial infection.
5. Urinary Issues are another cause for concern due to the changes with the bladder and kidneys as we age. As we grow older, the kidneys have a difficult time removing waste from our bodies. In turn, blood vessels surrounding the kidneys harden and the muscles weaken. This ultimately leads to urinary problems.
6. Respiratory Diseases are a large problem for seniors today because they grew up in the generation where smoking was quite common. As they get older, there is a decrease in the strength of the immune system and an increase in risk for lung infections.
7. Alzheimer’s Disease affects one out of nine people over the age of 65. It has a major impact on memory and can truly affect someone’s day-to-day life. There are many signs that indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease, which should prompt seniors to seek professional guidance.
8. Inadequate Nutrition may come as a surprise, but this actually is a concern in the elderly community. There are major changes in the sense of taste and smell, which affects the appetite, and the body processes food differently due to the slower digestion rate.
9. Pneumonia is among the top seven causes of death for seniors, right after diabetes. Seniors are susceptible to pneumonia and have a more difficult time fighting off illness. It’s crucial to get an annual flu shot as well as the pneumonia vaccination.
10. Shingles is similar to chicken pox, and one out of every three people over the age of 60 will get it. Shingles affects one side of the body and early symptoms include tingling, pain, blisters, and an itchy rash. Fortunately, there are vaccinations available.

At New Horizons at Marlborough, we understand the complications that come with aging, which is why we have an on-site nurse available 24 hour a day, 7 days a week. If you are looking for an assisted living care community in the Greater Boston Area, fill out our contact form to get in touch with us.