Top 10 Most Common Health Issues

Nutrition and Physical Activity Food

Research has shown that staying physically active can prevent or slow down certain illnesses which include cancers heart disease, diabetes and cancer as well as ease depression and boost mood. It is common for inactivity to accompany the aging process however it doesn't have to. Visit your local church and synagogues as well as senior centres, and malls for fitness and walking programs.

Similar to exercise, your food habits are not always healthy in the case of eating and living in solitude. It's essential to consume foods that are with a high amount of nutrients. Also, stay clear of the empty calories found from sweets and candy.

Overweight and Obesity

Overweight or obese can increase the chance of suffering from hypertension and type 2 diabetes stroke, coronary heart disease and gallbladder disease. It also causes sleep apnea and osteoarthritis. respiratory issues, dyslipidemia, prostate, breast, endometrial and colon cancers.

Practical and in-depth information regarding obesity can be obtained from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health.

Tobacco

Tobacco is by far the biggest disease-causing factor that can be prevented and causes premature deaths across the U.S. Tobacco consumption is now known as "Tobacco dependence disorder." It is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declares that those who attempt to stop smoking are more likely to succeed with the help of their doctor.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is usually a result of alcohol and drugs. These are two fields that aren't usually associated with senior citizens, but seniors, as with young people, can self-medicate with drugs that are legal or illegal, as well as alcohol, and this can cause serious health problems.

Additionally, senior citizens may inadvertently or accidentally mix drugs and drink alcohol. Due to our perceptions of seniors, a lot of medical professionals do not ask seniors about their possible use of drugs.

HIV/AIDS

Between 11 to 15 between 11 and 15 percent Of U.S. AIDS cases occur among seniors over 50. From 1991 to 1996 AIDS among people over 50 grew more than two times the rate of younger adults. Seniors are less likely to use condomsand are immune systems naturally weak as they age as well. HIV symptoms (fatigue and weight loss as well as skin rashes, dementia swelling lymph nodes) are similar to those that accompany older age.

Also, the stigmas associated with the aging process in terms of sexual activity and use of drugs remain largely unaware. This is why seniors aren't prominently represented in studies, trials of clinical drugs or prevention programs. They also are not well represented in efforts to intervene.

Mental Health

Dementia isn't a sign of the aging process. Dementia may be caused by illness or reactions to medication as well as hearing and vision issues as well as nutrition imbalances, infections as well as diabetes and kidney failure. There are many types that are a result of degenerative diseases (including Alzheimer's Disease) and some are only temporary. When you have a clear diagnosis, you can get management and support.

The most commonly encountered mental health problem is depression. If it is not treated depressive illness among the elderly may cause suicide. This is a shocking fact: The risk of suicide is greater for white males who are elderly than anyone else, not including teenagers.

Injury and Violence

For seniors who fall, they are the primary reason for injuries, hospital admissions due to trauma and death from injuries. One-third of seniors (age 65 and over) will fall at least once a year. Strategies to avoid injuries include exercises to increase strength and balance as well as the review of medications. Home modifications can aid in reducing injuries.

Home security is required to guard against the possibility of intrusion. Home-based fire protection devices must be installed and simple to use. Aged 65 and over have twice the chance die in a house fire than people in general.

Environmental Quality

Although pollution is a problem for everyone and is a major concern for all of us, studies by the government have shown that those with low incomes, racial or minority groups are most likely reside in areas that have to deal with environmental dangers. In comparison with the population as a whole, greater percentage of the elderly live within the poverty level.

Immunization

Infections like pneumonia and influenza are among the most fatal causes of death among older adults. A focus on Influenza vaccination for older adults has been beneficial. Pneumonia is still an extremely dangerous illnesses, especially for women and those who are very old.

Access to Health Care

Seniors often don't take their health as thoroughly as they ought to. While a shortage of doctors for geriatrics has been reported across the country, URMC has one of the largest numbers of geriatricians and geriatric experts of any medical facility in the United States.

The health care you require is at a distance of URMC providing a range of services in a variety of hospitals such as those at the VA Hospital in Canandaigua, in the senior housing and in your local community. more