As people age, their bodies become more susceptible to illness and disease. However, that doesn’t mean they have to resign their lives in poor health. There are many things that seniors can do to prevent illness and stay healthy well into their golden years. Here are 5 of the most common illnesses among seniors and some tips on how to avoid them.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is a leading cause of death among seniors, but it can also be one of the most preventable. Heart disease happens when the arteries become narrowed or blocked, preventing enough blood from reaching the heart. It’s the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. However, there are many things that seniors can do to lower their risk of developing heart disease. Here are three ways to prevent heart disease.
Lifestyle Changes
The main priority is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This means exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, managing stress levels, and not smoking.
Regular Check-Ups
Seniors need regular check-ups with their doctor to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other factors that can contribute to heart disease. These check-ups can also lead to early detection and treatment.
Medication Management
Many seniors take multiple medications, and it’s essential to have regular check-ins with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that the medications are not adversely affecting your heart health.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a common problem among seniors and can lead to tooth loss and other health issues. It happens when bacteria from plaque build-up, causing inflammation and damage to the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. Here are three ways to prevent gum disease.
Implants
Gaps between your teeth are a haven for bacteria. This means that seniors with missing teeth should consider getting dentures or dental implants to fill those spaces and prevent the build-up of bacteria. However, getting an implant takes some time, so consider getting affordable same-day dental implants instead. This implant can be placed on the same day as your consultation. It’s fast and efficient, making it much easier for you to get this treatment.
Proper Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing daily can remove plaque and prevent gum disease. It’s also important to schedule regular cleanings with a dentist for deeper cleaning and check-up.
Quit Smoking
Smoking not only affects the lungs, but it also greatly increases the risk of gum disease. So, quitting smoking can have a positive impact on oral health as well.
Cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Cancer is concentrated primarily on cells that grow and divide rapidly, such as the skin, breast, prostate, and colon. The most common types of cancer include skin, lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Here are three ways to prevent cancer.
Scans
Early diagnosis is one of the best ways to increase cancer treatment success rates. So, seniors should consider getting regular screenings for breast, prostate, and colon cancers.
Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, can lower the risk of developing many cancers.
Avoid UV light
Too much exposure to UV light can increase the risk of skin cancer. So, seniors should limit their sun exposure and wear sunscreen when appropriate.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a group of different lung diseases that can be fatal in the long run. The most common cause of COPD is smoking, so the best way to prevent it is never to start smoking or to quit if you already smoke. If you have COPD, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and management. This may include taking medication, using oxygen therapy, and making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to air pollution and other respiratory irritants.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become thin and weak. It’s most common in women after menopause, but men can also develop osteoporosis. You can do many things to prevent osteoporosis or slow its progression if you already have it. These include getting enough calcium and vitamin D, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco use, and drinking alcohol in moderation. If you have osteoporosis, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and management, including medication and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and getting more exercise.
Seniors are susceptible to all sorts of diseases. Preventing these conditions and keeping yourself as healthy as possible is essential. This may include getting regular screenings, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding harmful habits such as smoking, and following your doctor’s recommendations for managing any existing conditions. Taking care of your health now can significantly impact the quality of your life in the future.
