Older adults face increasing health risks tied to their growing age, gender, and family origin, which are factors beyond their control, when it comes to managing illnesses. However, with effective health management, many older adults can still live full, healthy lives without worrying about common old-age challenges.
However, modern lifestyles, exposure to harmful products, and other factors make it nearly impossible to avoid one chronic illness or another. Below, we’ll look at the three most common chronic illnesses an adult may encounter that can impact healthy aging.
Cancer
Different types of cancers, like mesothelioma, can lead to significant health deterioration among aging adults, especially if the cancer goes undetected for a long time. Early diagnosis and treatment of various cancers can offer a lifeline to affected patients, restoring hope for a long life. That’s why it’s important to have regular cancer screenings conducted for your family members, especially the elderly, so the disease is detected early.
For example, early detection of mesothelioma can help patients pursue successful treatment and be compensated for all relevant treatment costs. Organizations like Mesothelioma Hope help affected individuals access relevant resources for mesothelioma diagnosis, treatment, and even compensation if they were exposed to the causative agents at work.
Heart Disease
While heart disease or cardiovascular disease can affect people across all ages, its risk only increases with rising age. It may not sound like a deadly disease when you hear it mentioned, but it’s actually one of the leading causes of death in the United States today. It’s responsible for the death of one person every 34 seconds in the U.S., causing it to rank at the top of the deadliest diseases in the U.S. list.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and heart attacks are the most common types of heart disease reported in people across different ages. When CAD goes undiagnosed for a long time, the blockage can lead to a heart attack, which happens when blood flow to the heart is suddenly stopped. One can minimize the risk of heart disease by increasing physical activity, quitting tobacco, and maintaining a healthy weight. These steps only help prevent heart disease but do not guarantee complete safety against cardiovascular disease.
Asthma
Asthma mortality rate increases with age, with adults over 65 facing the highest risk as compared to their younger counterparts. Asthma is considered a serious disease because it causes the swelling and narrowing of the airways in the lungs, making it difficult for patients to breathe. The most common symptoms to look out for include shortness of breath, difficulty exercising, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.
Older adults may sometimes not get diagnosed correctly or early because asthma symptoms might be mistaken for other health issues, such as heart disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If diagnosed with asthma, patients should immediately quit smoking, avoid asthma triggers, like perfumes, and get the right vaccines. Proper medical care can prolong the lives of patients with asthma well into old age.
Old age comes with several health complications, but managing these issues can be easier with early detection and diagnosis. Whether it’s cancer, heart disease, or asthma, early diagnosis and treatment can go a long way in overcoming the illness’s threats. Ensure timely screenings and medical care for your elderly relatives to help them successfully overcome age-related illnesses.