Common health problems in older people

Overview  

Older people above 60 may face innumerable problems due to factors like ageing and vitamin deficiency. The general health conditions most older people face are physical, emotional, cognitive and social problems.  

Hearing loss, cataracts, refractive errors, neck and back Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Diabetes, Depression and Dementia are common ailments among older adults. People are more prone to having multiple illnesses as they age.

This article is written based on keeping older people in mind. It also explains the common health issues older people face and the preventive measures to avoid elderly problems in future.

Common medical conditions in older people  

Arthritis  

The swelling and pain in joints are the symptoms of arthritis. Joint stiffness and pain are the primary signs of arthritis; these symptoms often worsen with age. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most prevalent kinds of arthritis.

Prevention of Arthritis  

Follow the below-given steps to prevent arthritis.

• Stay at a healthy weight
• Exercise
• Control your blood sugar
• Avoid injury
• Quit smoking
• Eat fish twice a week

Heart disease  

Most heart diseases are caused due to the accumulation of fatty deposits or plaques in the walls of the coronary arteries. The outside of the heart is surrounded by coronary arteries, which bring blood, nutrients and oxygen to the heart muscle.  

Prevention of heart diseases

The following are the ways to prevent heart diseases.

• Try to be more physically active
• Quit smoking
• Follow a heart-healthy diet
• Keep a healthy weight.
• Don’t drink a lot of alcohol.
• Manage stress

Cancer

Cancer is the most affected disease in older people. In most cases, those with cancer and those who have survived cancer tend to be older than 65. This is due to the impact of ageing.  

Prevention of Cancer

Following are the methods to prevent cancer from affecting the elderly.

• Don’t use tobacco
• Eat a healthy diet
• Be physically active
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Protect yourself from the sun
• Get vaccinated
• Avoid risky behaviours
• Get regular medical care

Respiratory diseases  

Asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer are some of the best examples of respiratory diseases. It is also known as pulmonary disease and lung disorder.

Prevention of respiratory diseases

Following are the ways to prevent respiratory diseases.

• Don’t smoke
• Minimise exposure to air pollution
• Prevent infection
• Get regular check-ups
• Exercise

Alzheimer’s Disease  

A degenerative neurologic condition called Alzheimer’s disease results in the death of brain cells. The most frequent cause of dementia (a steady deterioration in mental, behavioural and social abilities) is Alzheimer’s disease.

The disease is gradual, starting with mild memory loss and potentially progressing to the loss of communication and environmental awareness.

The brain regions responsible for cognition, memory and language are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. It can significantly impair a person’s capacity to carry out daily tasks.

Prevention of Alzheimer’s diseases

The following are the ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

• No smoking
• Keeping alcohol to a minimum.
• Eating a healthy and balanced diet.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis makes bones weak and brittle. This condition is so fragile that even minor stressors like coughing or bending over can break them. Hip, wrist and spine fractures frequently occur in osteoporosis patients.

Prevention of Osteoporosis

Following are the ways to prevent Osteoporosis.

• Don’t drink too much alcohol
• Quit smoking
• Drink less soda
• Build healthy life habits
• Exercise

Diabetes  

Numerous older adults are affected by diabetes. When the blood sugar level is too high, people develop diabetes. In general, type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent form of the illness, sets in older people.

Age, overweight and having a family history of diabetes are all significant risk factors for developing diabetes.  

Prevention of Diabetes

Even if you have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, lifestyle adjustments like reducing a little weight and increasing your physical activity can help prevent or delay the disease.

You can also follow the below measures to lead a diabetic-free life.

• Lose extra weight
• Be more physically active
• Eat healthy plant foods
• Eat healthy fats
• Skip fad diets and make healthier choices

Influenza and Pneumonia

One of the most severe illnesses in the winter is influenza (flu). It is a viral infection that is highly contagious. It transmits when the person sneezes or coughs.  

Prevention of Influenza

Getting vaccinated against the flu each year is the most excellent method to prevent influenza.

The following are the ways to prevent influenza.

• Avoid crowded areas
• Regularly wash your hands.
• Boost your defences against disease
• Annual influenza vaccination
• Surface cleaning and sanitisation

Prevention of Pneumonia

A major lung infection or inflammation is known as pneumonia. It causes the air sacs in one or both lungs to become inflamed.

Following are the ways to prevent pneumonia.

• Get a flu shot
• Get vaccinated
• Wash your hand
• Don’t smoke
• Maintain good health habits

Falls

Elderly morbidity and disability are caused mainly by falls. Each year, more than one-third of people over 65 are affected by falls.

Common causes of falls in older adults are impaired vision, home hazards, medication, weakness, low balance and chronic conditions.

Prevention of Falls

Following are the ways to prevent falls.

• Stay physically active
• Have your eyes and hearing tested
• Get enough sleep
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
• Stand up slowly
• Use an assistive device

Substance abuse  

Alcohol is often consumed among elderly people. Older adults should refrain from over-consumption of alcohol.

Prevention of substance abuse

The following are the ways to prevent substance abuse from affecting the elderly.

• Recognise the origin and development of substance abuse
• Avoid triggers and temptations
• Get the treatments you require for coexisting conditions
• Become aware of your risk factors
• Keep a healthy balance in your life

Obesity

Obesity is one of the common problems in older people. The likelihood of diabetes and cardiovascular disease increases due to larger waist circumference, hypertension, dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance.

People who are overweight are more likely to develop heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. Patients over the age of 65 are more likely to have chronic illnesses due to ageing, which decreases physical activity and exercise ability and makes it harder for seniors to lose weight.

Prevention of Obesity

The following are the ways to prevent obesity problems.

Healthy eating habits, frequent exercise and limiting other trivial activities are the most crucial methods for preventing obesity.  

Depression  

Depression co-occurs with various medical conditions and disabilities in elderly persons and lasts longer. Heart disorders and illness-related death is associated with depression in older persons.

Prevention of depression

You can lessen your risk of developing depression by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and practising frequent self-care techniques like yoga, meditation and exercise.

If you’ve dealt with depression in the past, you are more likely to experience it again. Get treatment if you are experiencing symptoms of depression.  

Oral health 

The quality of life, general health and well-being of older adults are significantly influenced by oral health. Older people frequently have oral cancer, tooth loss, dental caries, periodontitis, dry mouth and other oral health issues.

Dry mouth (xerostomia), coronal caries and periodontitis are age-related dental disorders. Patients may also exhibit greater sensitivity to medications used in dentistry, such as local anaesthetics and analgesics.

Prevention of oral health problems

The following are the ways to prevent oral health problems.

• Maintain your brushing and flossing habits
• Consume more fibre and less sugar
• Teach your kids about dental health

Enhancing daily living for older people

Elderly people’s lives can be significantly enhanced in the following ways:   

Redesigning their daily routines  

Elderly people can strategise their plan by considering the following ways to redesign their daily routine.

• Promoting an easier daily life
• Get out in nature
• Exercise
• Spend time with friends and family
• Express gratitude
• Meditate
• Get enough sleep
• Challenge yourself
• Laugh

Enhancing vision

The most common causes of vision loss in older people are age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Prevention of vision problems can only be possible when they care for their eyes.

Creating a safe home

To keep your parents and other loved ones content and safe as they age, it’s essential to make the following adjustments in the home:

• Avert faint or inappropriate lighting
• Avoid slick surfaces
• Install safety measures against fire
• Create a fall-proof bathroom
• Make access simple
• Keep breakables out of the house

Developing a positive social well-being  

You can create healthy interactions with others when your social wellness is at its highest degree. You can learn assertiveness by having a supportive social network. Your self-esteem rises when supportive friends surround you.

Tips to prevent health issues  

Diet  

Due to the connection between diet and health, maintaining a nutrient-dense diet is crucial for older persons. Numerous studies have shown that nutrition quality significantly affects immunological function, vascular function, bone health, eye health, and mental and physical health.

Sleep  

Your physical and emotional well-being is essential for good sleep. A good sleep strengthens memory and focus, enables your body to repair any cell damage from the previous day, and re-energises your immune system.

Stress relief  

Long-term stress can increase your risk for heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and depression. Preventing and managing it can reduce this risk. Planning is one way to avoid or lessen stress.  

Social connection  

All ages require social ties for health and well-being, but older adults may need them even more to lead a peaceful life. Social functioning is vital to developing physical, sensory and cognitive well-being in today’s generation.

Conclusion

Old aged people often face physiological, social, psychological and economic challenges in their life.

Ageing adults become dependent due to a decline in their physical and mental abilities. Many senior citizens also struggle with emotional issues like feelings of loneliness and isolation. Losing a spouse and other close family members might exacerbate the person’s existing stress, despair and anxiety.

According to the first Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) from the Union Ministry of Family and Health Welfare on January 6, 2020, “Two in every three senior citizens in India suffer from some chronic disease.”

This includes Hypertension, Arthritis, heart diseases, Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease, Diabetes, Depression, etc. The cost of the medical treatment of such diseases for senior citizens has increased over time. Therefore, securing the health of old adults with extensive coverage of a senior citizen health insurance plan is always a wise decision. Moreover, senior citizens in the family must be insured under a separate health insurance plan as they are more vulnerable to contracting critical diseases.

Many insurers have started offering senior citizens plans covering specific diseases after a certain waiting period.

Star Health Insurance offers Senior Citizens Red Carpet Health Insurance Policy for older adults. Any person aged between 60 years and 75 years can take this health plan. Beyond 75 years, renewals are allowed. To avail this policy, no pre-acceptance medical screening is required.

The policy covers any pre-existing illness after a waiting period of 12 months, specific diseases are covered after 24 months and the initial waiting period includes 30 days.

Some of the benefits the Senior citizens can avail include, coverage for hospitalisation expenses, especially post-hospitalisation medical expenses equivalent to 7% of the hospitalisation expenses comprising of nursing charges, surgeon/consultant fees, diagnostic charges, medicines and drugs expenses subject to the limits mentioned. All Day Care procedures and Modern treatments are covered. You can refer to the policy clause for more details on the coverage.