Top 5 Health Concerns for Seniors

Aging is a normal part of life, and while some may dread it, aging doesn’t have to be a bad experience overall. Reaching retirement age can be a celebration with opportunities to travel or pursue new hobbies or ideas you didn’t have time for before. While many associate aging with a decline in mobility or health, it isn’t necessarily extreme. In fact, roughly 41% of those 65 or older report that they are in good to excellent health. This is great news, especially considering the rising life expectancy.

Naturally, people’s risk for chronic conditions and other diseases increases as they age. Doing your best to plan for a healthy future is every bit as important as planning for financial security. These are some of the biggest concerns for aging citizens.

Health Insurance

Seniors are likely to have a health insurance plan in place from their younger years, but it’s important to realize that the same plan is unlikely to serve all needs forever. If you’ve relied on a supplemental or limited health insurance plan previously, it’s a good idea to look into more comprehensive plans as you become more vulnerable to sickness and injury. Find the best health insurance with iSelect to fit your needs and price range.

Heart Disease

This is an umbrella term that can describe conditions like coronary artery diseases, heart rhythm issues, congenital heart defects, and more. Nearly half of US adults have some form of heart disease, with hypertension (high blood pressure) being the most common. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the US, so it’s naturally a great concern.

Symptoms of heart disease can range from shortness of breath to extreme chest pain. Even pain in the back or jaw can indicate a problem, as well as numbness in limbs. Heart disease is much easier to treat when caught early, so it’s always best to visit the doctor with any unusual symptoms. Regular checkups can also help catch signs early.

Cognitive Decline

While occasional forgetfulness or some memory loss is normal, especially as we get older, it’s crucial to distinguish these from signs of Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Memory loss that disrupts a person’s daily activities is generally a warning sign of a greater problem. Having problems with clear communication or especially becoming confused about time or place are often indicators of a cognitive impairment.

As with most conditions, identifying signs early is crucial for treatment if it’s a reversible condition. If it isn’t reversible, identifying the condition early on still gives family members and caregivers time to make arrangements in case their aging loved one needs to stay in an assisted living facility or specialized health center, such as the healthcare center in Chestertown, MD.

Oral Health

Everyone knows the picture of an old man with dentures, and while losing teeth is a legitimate concern as we get older, it’s not the only reason to look after our oral health. Gum disease becomes more common as people age, and it can lead to complications like gum abscesses and even damage to the jaw bone. Root decay, which can be extremely painful, also becomes more common, and oral conditions can generally lead to a diminished sense of taste.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to make effective use of its blood sugar. Diabetes is divided into two types with Type 2 diabetes being the most common. This type can be developed at any age, but it is more frequent in middle-aged and older people. Having diabetes generally increases the risk of heart disease and other health problems. Luckily, blood sugar can be managed through diet and other means.