Aging induces a broad spectrum of changes within the body. The risk of developing several diseases increases due to changes in the immune system, slowly regenerating cells, and lifestyle influences. Besides, even social factors, such as care systems, caregiving facilities, and networks of well-being, affect diseases and disease control in the elderly. 

The most common diseases diagnosed among the elderly affect their eyes, lungs, bones, ears, and neurocognition. These diseases disrupt the elderly and make them unable to care for themselves anymore. Let’s continue reading to learn more about the common diseases plaguing seniors and ways of dealing with them.  

Common Ailments Which Influence Elderly People and Ways of Managing Them

The following diseases occur extremely frequently in aged populations, resulting in a lower quality of life. Knowing these diseases and how best to manage them can help ensure your elderly loved ones are totally well. Moreover, elderly care does not just mean catering to the needs of the elderly but also focuses on factors such as doctors on home visit, and disease management.   

Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and even heart failure, are alarmingly common among the aged population. Most elderly people suffer from heart disease while growing old. Since this disease tends to attack older adults so rapidly with strokes, heart attacks, and fluid retention in the chest, we have to spot the early stages of such diseases and treat them. For example, if your elderly parent is receiving frequent chest pains, dizzying spells, and sweating, then it would be better to visit a cardiologist.  

Diabetes

Diabetes is considered one of the major diseases of older life. The most common type of diabetes found in elderly individuals is type 2, which causes an excess of sugar in the blood that eventually hurts other organs in the body, gradually damaging the heart, kidneys, and eyes. If there are elderly family members who are showing signs and symptoms of diabetes, you should keep an eye on their diet and physical activities. Regular sessions of health checkup at home can also help manage symptoms.  

Osteoporosis and Arthritis

Some of the commonly found diseases among the elderly population are osteoporosis and arthritis. Osteoporosis and arthritis cause mobility problems among the elderly. These, in turn, have posed a threat in the past as one of the significant causes of injury and falls. Though osteoporosis is accompanied by weakened bones, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis are accompanied by inflamed bones that cause soreness, leading to stiffness and mobility issues. Control these diseases through a healthy diet and simple exercise. 

Vision and Hearing Loss

Old age often brings about age-related vision and hearing loss. Most of the elderly are affected by eye problems caused by the onset of cataracts, glaucoma, or age-related macular degeneration. This results in loss of vision and blurring, and eventually injuries. In addition, hearing problems and presbycusis cause difficulties in communication and a lack of understanding between individuals. All of these can be dealt with if a person frequently visits and, sometimes, some age-related surgeries turn out to be restorative and reversive. 

Gastrointestinal Diseases

Gastrointestinal diseases like constipation, IBS, and diverticulitis are highly painful. Elderly patients suffering from such diseases feel severe pain that significantly impacts their lifestyle. If your elderly family suffers from gastrointestinal disease, you can control their discomfort with diet, exercise, medical treatment, and regular doctor visits.  

Respiratory Disorders

Lung diseases among the elderly are very common. Most elderly people are associated with diseases such as COPD, pneumonia, breathlessness, or asthma. These diseases cause a great deal of respiratory distress and quite badly affect the lifestyle of elderly patients. Old patients who suffer from diseases like asthma should carry their pumps with them, not perform strenuous exercises, and not disturb their lungs. Moreover, their illness can be managed through lung exercises, regular medical check-ups, and avoiding triggers such as dust. 

Urinary Incontinence

Older adults most often can no longer control their bladder. It’s common to see in older adults, characterized by muscle weakness and damaged nerves, even diabetes conditions. You can manage this condition by visiting your elderly loved ones and taking them to the toilet if they can’t go there alone. Moreover, whether your senior loved ones are at home or at a nursing care services at home, urinary incontinence can be embarrassing. So, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment is necessary. 

Neuro-Cognitive Disorders

Neuro-cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia are the most common among the aged. These diseases not only cause partial loss of memory but also degrade mobility. Cognitive decline highly impacts the quality of life of older people and ultimately hampers their capacity to live independently. These ailments may require you to employ an old age care taker at home for your senior loved ones. Among the most common symptoms of neuro-cognitive decline are memory loss, tremors, balance and coordination problems, and speech defects. To begin with, getting medical advice and seeking prompt medical care would be the best options to manage such conditions effectively.     

Mental Health Disorder

There are instances of mental health disorders that affect seniors, including depression, anxiety, and panic disorders. Often mistaken or underdiagnosed in aged persons, depression can be due to chronic illness, loneliness and isolation, and even grief. To tackle such diseases in the elderly, it would be necessary first to watch out for early symptoms. If your senior loved ones have been moody, irritable, low, and mentally displaced, then it would be best to do check-ups and help them.   

Sleep Disorders

Several sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep apnea, cause the elderly to have mental health problems and tiredness. Elderly people need to sleep properly when they reach old age. Besides, sleep disorders may also result in kidney and heart problems. One must consult doctors and maintain a proper schedule to treat sleep disorders.