Health Issues in Aging Adults and How to Combat Them

As you get older your body begins to change. You will start to find grey hairs, more brittle nails, and new skin marks. At first, this can seem concerning, but as you age you will find that there are many new things that your mind a body will learn to adjust to. Here is a list of some of the common health problems that you could face as you get older, and how to fight these ailments.

Heart Issues and Symptoms to Look For

According to Memorial Hermann Heart and Vascular Institute, heart issues are more likely to affect the lives of people over fifty, and more people die of heart issues than any other problem in the United States. This fact makes taking any pain in the chest very serious. Many people will dismiss pain, believing that it is heartburn symptoms in their chest or indigestion. Some will even try to get relief for heartburn symptoms in your chest by taking over the counter medication. This is not always a good idea. As you age, you are more susceptible to heart disease. Heart attacks can mimic heartburn if one does not understand the symptoms. Any time you have pain in your chest, or trouble catching your breath, you need to contact your physician.

To keep your heart healthy you must make sure that you are eating a heart-healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. You also need to eat less red meat, and more lean meat that includes fish. Limit your sodium intake. Get plenty of exercises. Swimming and walking are an adequate way to get your needed activity. Smoking and stress can increase your risks so avoid them if possible.

Digestion Changes Need to Be Taken Seriously

Constipation is a serious health problem that is common in older adults. Constipation refers to the inability to expel stool from your body. There are many causes for constipation, and many symptoms. It can cause great pain, and a variety of other problems like tearing of the anus, swelling in the anus, and stool becoming impossible to expel without medical assistance.

There are things that you can do to assist your body in fighting constipation. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration will contribute to digestive issues, and water will help stop symptoms of dehydration. Eat a diet that is high in fiber. Fiber helps your body in many ways. It helps to regulate your blood sugar, helps your body feel full, and cleans out the germs from your bowels. As you grow older, fiber can be your best friend.

Watch Your Skin for New Moles and Spots

Watching out for new places on your skin can help you stay healthy as you get older. Skin spots, itchy skin, skin tags, and moles can be signs of something more. You may even find that you are bruising easier than before. Taking care of your skin while you are young can come in handy when you get older.

As you age, you may find that your skin is much dryer than it used to be. To fight this issue you can use creams, lotions, and oils to help hydrate your skin. According to the American Cancer Society, a new skin spot could be of no concern, but the skin spots could be a sign of cancer. Some of the things that could be alarming are if they are not symmetrical, if the color of the spot varies, or if the spot is larger than other spots you have noticed. If you do notice any of these issues with new spots, then get checked out by your physician. Otherwise, use plenty of sunblocks, use SPF makeup, and lotions, and keep your skin hydrated. This will go a long way in fighting your future skin problems.