Evidence has shown that the majority of people hate the thought of getting old. But did you know that our senior years are meant to be the best years of our life? This is because they bring with them happiness, intellect, and sometimes better sex too!
However, despite all the positives of getting older, there are also some negatives. These can include things like reduced mobility and loneliness. Another negative about getting older is the fact that most people develop a health condition as they age.
The good news is that most health conditions can be treated or managed if spotted early. Here are some of the most common health conditions you should watch for as you get older:
1. Dysphagia
One of the most common age-related conditions you need to be aware of is dysphagia. Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing difficulties. As we age, the tubes in our throats become narrower, making food more difficult to swallow. The good news is that many excellent treatments and solutions are available that enable people with this condition to live a normal life. One example is an instant food thickener made by a company called SimplyThick.
2. Heart Disease
Another common health condition that seniors face is heart disease. In fact, research shows that nearly 500,000 people in the US die from this condition each year, and this number is only likely to increase as the population ages.
While it can be hard to spot the early signs of heart disease, you can do many things to reduce your chances of developing it. For example, ensuring you eat well, exercise, and get plenty of sleep or rest is essential.
3. Arthritis
Arthritis affects almost 50% of adults over the age of sixty-five. This condition causes a person to have joint pain and restricted movement, which may lead to them not wanting to do any exercise or activity. However, while it can discourage you from being active, exercise is essential if you want to maintain good health in old age.
4. Hearing Loss
It is believed that approximately 43% of older adults have hearing loss. Hearing loss can have a negative effect on a person’s life. It can rob you of your ability to socialize with your family and friends and leave you feeling isolated. This is why it’s such an essential condition to discuss.
The good news is that hearing loss can be detected with a quick hearing test. Once diagnosed, a hearing aid can be worn to reduce the impact of this horrible condition.
5.  Asthma
Asthma occurs when our airways become sensitive to allergens and become inflamed. Research has shown that older people are more susceptible to asthma. Thanks to this, older adults need to be on the lookout for symptoms. This is particularly true during the winter months. Symptoms include coughing, a tight chest, and breathlessness.
Like all phases of life, our senior years can come with their challenges. For example, seniors are much more likely to develop severe health conditions. The good news is that if spotted early, most of these conditions can be managed, allowing you to live a longer and happier life. If you are close to retirement age, ensure you know how to spot the signs of common health conditions and get the treatment you need quickly.
