Important! Know the 9 Diseases Commonly Suffered by the Elderly

As humans, we all face the risk of falling ill, and the elderly are no exception. They are more vulnerable to various diseases of old age because their immune systems are no longer as strong as those of younger people.

In general, health problems can strike anyone, regardless of age. However, there are also diseases that are particularly suffered by older people. For this reason, it is important to know some examples so that you can later seek the right healthcare services.

9 Most Common Diseases of the Elderly

Here are some of the diseases most commonly suffered by older people.

1. Cataracts

The first disease is cataracts. This condition affects the ability to see.

Cataracts usually appear as a cloudy spot that blurs vision. Over time, the cloudiness grows and covers the eye of the person affected.

From the outside, the eyes of an older person with cataracts may look grayish and dull. This can cause glare when looking at lights, as well as double vision for the person affected.

Healthcare services for treating cataracts are actually available in many places. These services are usually surgical procedures that use a special suction tool to remove the clouding from the eye.

2. Diabetes

The diet of older people needs extra supervision, especially for those who enjoy eating. If an older person eats a lot of sweet foods, they are at risk of developing diabetes.

This can also lead to several complaints such as fatigue, frequent urination, and a sharp drop in body weight.

In general, the digestive system of older people can no longer absorb nutrients as it once did, so their diet must not be careless.

Besides keeping a strict diet, they also need to exercise regularly so that fat and calories from food do not simply accumulate in the body.

3. Hypertension

High blood pressure, or hypertension, also affects many older people. This condition tends to affect those who often consume foods high in sodium (salt) and unhealthy fats, especially if they have a history of chronic heart disease.

Hypertension in older people can be managed by taking blood pressure-lowering medication and eating a balanced, nutritious diet. Other ways to fight hypertension in older people include regular exercise and getting enough sleep.

4. Arthritis

Besides digestive and vision problems, there is also a disease commonly affecting older people: arthritis. This condition damages the joints of the human body. For older people, it can cause pain in the limbs.

This disease may resemble osteoporosis, but arthritis mainly causes pain in the joints of the hands and feet and is marked by swelling.

Osteoporosis, on the other hand, affects the bone tissue rather than the joints, resulting in reduced strength of the skeleton.

5. Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease develops when the cells in the brain of an older person become damaged and no longer function optimally. The effects include difficulty concentrating, trouble remembering details such as names, dates, or places, and problems with speech.

This is a disease you should be watchful for, as medicines to fight Alzheimer's are rarely available. Health experts recommend a healthy lifestyle to help prevent this disease.

If you live with an elderly family member, be aware of some signs of Alzheimer's symptoms, such as sudden anger, repeating oneself, and feeling 'lost' in one's own home.

6. Asthma

Respiratory disorders are among the diseases of old age that are quite common in the general population. Elderly patients may not smoke or live in polluted areas. Even so, asthma can come on suddenly in people aged 60 and over.

Symptoms commonly experienced by patients include chest pain, shortness of breath, dry coughing, and fatigue. Effective treatments for patients include anti-inflammatory medication, bronchodilators, and inhalers.

Prevention steps include keeping the home free from cigarette smoke and strong-smelling chemicals. If necessary, also clean up dust and dirt around the house.

7. Parkinson's

Parkinson's disease, which results from damage to the nerves in the brain, can reduce the motor abilities of the patient. Common symptoms include tremors in the hands, stiff joints, and facial muscles that are difficult to move.

This disorder mostly affects men over the age of 50. However, some women also develop Parkinson's at the age of 40. Symptoms of Parkinson's do not appear suddenly but gradually, beginning with difficulty sleeping, muscle stiffness, and loss of balance.

As with Alzheimer's disease, medicines that can cure Parkinson's are also very rare. Some doctors may recommend physical therapy in place of medication.

8. Obesity

If diabetes can cause older people to suddenly lose weight and urinate frequently, obesity will make them very overweight. This disease can develop when a person eats too many foods containing carbohydrates and fats.

Since older people sleep a lot, the absorption of nutrients in their bodies becomes slowed. As a result, the accumulation of nutrients causes the body to suddenly gain weight. If not treated promptly, the patient may develop other serious diseases.

9. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, or bone thinning, is a disease of old age that is widely discussed by health institutions. This is because the human skeleton protects the organs of the body and serves as an attachment point for muscles. Without healthy bones, a person will find it difficult to carry out any activity.

One of the most effective ways to prevent osteoporosis is to eat plenty of calcium-rich foods, such as soy products, salmon, milk, oatmeal, spinach, and so on.

In addition, prevention can be achieved through physical activity such as exercise, gymnastics, weight lifting, and mountain hiking.

Do You Know Which Diseases Are Commonly Suffered by the Elderly?

And those are the 9 types of health problems that commonly affect older people. Do you have an elderly family member?

You are likely to often feel anxious and worried about their safety, and to fear what would happen if they were to pass away first. But many elderly people live long and healthy lives, always offering prayers for their loved ones.