There are several physical changes that go along with growing older. One of the side effects of aging is a drop in immunity. The immune system is a powerful tool that protects the body from germs, damaging substances and even cell changes that can lead to cancer and other illnesses. Once you reach the age of 60, the immune system slows and grows weaker, making you more susceptible to illness and infection. Growing older also increases your risk of chronic diseases like dementia, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and cancer.
Common Chronic Conditions in Adults Over 65
According to the National Council on Aging, nearly 95 percent of adults 60 and over have at least one chronic condition, and approximately 78 percent have two or more. Some of the most common conditions seen in elderly adults include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension). When the force of blood moving through your blood vessels is consistently too high, you have high blood pressure. It can be caused by anything that increases the pressure on artery walls including plaque build-up, kidney disease, sleep apnea and some medications. Some risk factors for hypertension include family history, lack of physical activity, obesity, tobacco use, age and certain chronic conditions.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This is a group of lung diseases that restrict airflow and make it hard to breathe. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common conditions associated with COPD. It is often caused by long-term exposure to cigarette smoke, dust or chemicals that damage the lungs. These factors lead to swelling and inflammation of the airway and reduce airflow in and out of the lungs. Risk factors include smoking, asthma, exposure to chemical fumes, smoke and dust in the workplace, and genetics.
- Congestive heart failure (CHF). Sometimes simply called heart failure, this occurs when the heart doesn’t pump blood efficiently enough to supply the body. Instead, the blood backs up, causing it to pool in the heart. This can lead to heart enlargement, fluid in the lungs and kidney failure. Risk factors are being over age 65, tobacco use, physical inactivity, eating foods high in fat and salt, high blood pressure, history of a heart attack and coronary artery disease.
- Diabetes. This condition occurs when your body doesn’t make enough insulin or is resistant to insulin. Blood sugar levels build and lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage (neuropathy), and skin infections. Risk factors for type 1 diabetes include family history and environmental factors. Risks for developing type 2 diabetes are being of the Black, Hispanic, American Indian, or Asian American race and being overweight or obese.
- Alzheimer’s disease. A specific kind of dementia, Alzheimer’s causes memory loss and difficulty thinking or problem-solving that inhibits your ability to carry out everyday activities. Risk factors include age, family history and genetics.
Reducing Your Risk for Chronic Conditions
Some risk factors such as age and family history can’t be changed, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk for many chronic conditions or slow their progression. These include:
- Sleep. Getting at least seven hours of quality sleep each night can lower your risk of chronic disease.
- Stop smoking. Studies show that quitting smoking can add as much as 10 years to life expectancy and benefit those already diagnosed with COPD or heart disease.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Reducing your intake of alcohol can reduce digestive problems, heart disease, liver disease, and stroke risk.
- Engage in regular physical activity and exercise. Regular, moderate-intensity exercise can lower risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol and other chronic conditions.
- Eat healthy. A healthy diet can help prevent or manage conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and more. Aim for a diet filled with a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy and limited sugars.
Many chronic diseases are caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. It isn’t easy to break old habits, but by making a few positive changes today, you’ll be on your way to a healthier tomorrow.
The content of this site is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical conditions or treatments.
