In part one of our discussion, we observed the four most common conditions that elderly adults suffer from. Today we’ll look at four more that require immediate attention from your doctor or urgent care services:
5: Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when the human body is resistant to or doesn’t produce enough insulin, a hormone that gets energy from food to distribute to your cells. When this doesn’t happen, you get high blood sugar, which can lead to complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, or blindness. Chances of having diabetes increase as a person ages, so it’s pertinent to manage or prevent this condition from worsening by:
- Eating right and monitoring your carbohydrate and alcohol intake.
- Exercising daily for 30 minutes five times a week to prevent weight gain and maintain blood glucose levels.
- Losing 5–7 percent of your body weight if you are pre-diabetic.
6: Coronary Heart Disease
Ischemic heart disease is when the arteries narrow and block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This can cause complications like blood clots, angina, or a heart attack. In the U.S., around 17 percent of elderly adults are diagnosed with this condition.
Prevention and maintenance guidelines for coronary heart disease include:
- Avoiding too much saturated and trans fats, as well as sugar and salt.
- Sleeping for around seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
- Keeping your stress levels in check through exercise, relaxation techniques, or talking to a friend or family member.
- Engaging in cardiovascular exercise such as running, biking, or swimming at least three times a week for 20 minutes at a time.
- Avoiding smoking.
- Talking to your doctor to understand your risk of developing heart disease and what you can do to lower your risk.
7: Arthritis
Nearly 50 percent of older adults have been treated for arthritis, which causes joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. This condition is more common among women.
Unlike the conditions in this and the previous list, arthritis is preventable through the following:
- Exercising five times a week with a mixture of aerobic, strength-building, and stretching routines.
- Maintaining your recommended weight for your height, as losing even one pound takes away four pounds of pressure from your knee joints.
- Ensuring back, leg, and arm support.
- Avoiding high-impact activities that have more risks of developing muscle and joint injuries.
8: High Cholesterol
And much like arthritis, high cholesterol is also preventable through dietary means. Abnormally high cholesterol levels are marked by an excess of bad fats (lipids) that cause artery clogs and may result in heart disease. This condition primarily affects women, with over 60 percent of those aged 65 and up diagnosed with high cholesterol.
Lifestyle changes for cholesterol management include:
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol drinking.
- Getting up and moving around every day, even if you just take a walk around the block. Keeping your body active helps to keep you healthy and fit.
- Managing weight through eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. You can also bring this up to your doctor and find out what you can do to manage it.
Conclusion
When your elderly family member shows signs of these conditions, immediate care is needed. Contact us today for urgent care services that prolong and improve your loved one’s quality of life!
