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13 of the Most Common Age-Related Diseases and Conditions

Getting older is tough on everyone; you don't have as much energy, you can't remmber where you put your keys, and you might not look the..

By Ritesh Kukreja Updated on September 29, 2023 • 7 min read
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Getting older is tough on everyone; you don't have as much energy, you can't remmber where you put your keys, and you might not look the way you used to. It could be said that these are the things that give us character. But we can also be affected by diseases and condition, and while most of them can be cured, there are some we have to learn to live with as we age. It's important to know about these common health problems and what you can do to avoid them.

  1. Osteoporosis 

Osteoporosis is a common age-related disease that causes bones to become thin and brittle, leading to greater risk of fracture. In fact, about 1 million people in the U.S. suffer a bone fracture related to osteoporosis every year.  One way to prevent osteoporosis is to increase your intake of calcium, Vitamin D and exercise. Doing activities that involve weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, running or dancing, will help to keep your bones strong. Also, be sure to eat a healthy diet that includes calcium and Vitamin D rich foods, such as milk and yogurt.

  1. Hearing Loss 

Hearing loss is most common in people over the age of 65, and it is estimated that one-third of people between the ages of 60 and 69 have some degree of hearing loss.  To prevent hearing loss, it is important to protect your ears from loud noises. Avoid using headphones at high volumes and make sure to wear ear plugs for loud events, like rock concerts. Also, do not smoke and be sure to take your medications as prescribed. But if you do experience hearing loss, don't fret; there are hearing aids that can help. The use of hearing aids has helped many people deal with hearing loss, and many of the best hearing aids are designed to be small and discreet.

  1. Memory Loss 

Memory loss can be a scary thing, but it can be treated and managed. Be sure to keep your mind active by reading, doing crosswords, and playing games that involve word memorization.  Also, make sure to eat healthy and exercise regularly. A healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, will help your brain function well. Additionally, exercise will help your brain work better.

  1. Hip Fractures 

Hip fractures are a common age-related disease in which one of the bones in the hip is broken. Most fractures occur in people over the age of 65.  The best way to prevent a hip fracture is to regularly take part in weight-bearing exercises as well as perform routine exercises. Exercises such as squats, lunges and deadlifts are great for strengthening the bones and muscles of the leg and hip, thereby reducing the risk of fracture.

  1. Alzheimer's Disease 

Alzheimer's disease is a common brain disorder that affects many people over the age of 65. The disease damages the brain and stops it from functioning normally.  The only way to prevent Alzheimer's disease is to live a healthy lifestyle, including eating healthy, exercising and staying mentally active. Also, it is important to get regular check-ups for early detection.

  1. High Blood Pressure 

High blood pressure is a common age-related disease that affects one in every three adults over the age of 65. One way to avoid high blood pressure is to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.  If you do suffer from hypertension, there are medications and treatments available that can help you keep your blood pressure under control.

  1. Diabetes 

Diabetes is a common age-related disease that affects many people over the age of 65.  One way to prevent diabetes is to eat healthy and exercise regularly. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats and fish will help you keep your weight down, which is helpful for managing diabetes. Also, exercise will help keep your blood sugar levels in check.

  1. Arthritis 

Arthritis is a common age-related disease that causes the joints to become inflamed and painful. It is most common in people over the age of 65 and affects nearly half of all people over the age of 65.  One way to prevent arthritis is to exercise regularly and do activities that involve weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, running and dancing. Also, make sure to regularly stretch your muscles and joints.

  1. Obesity 

Obesity is a common age-related disease that affects many people over the age of 65. It is estimated that around one in three adults over the age of 65 is obese.  Preventing obesity is as simple as eating healthy and being active. A healthy diet that focuses on fruits, vegetables, lean meats and fish will help keep you from gaining weight. Also, regular exercise will help you keep your weight in check.

  1. Dementia 

Dementia is a common age-related disease that affects many people over the age of 65. It is estimated that around one in three adults over the age of 65 have dementia.  There are many types of dementia, but it is important to know that dementia can be prevented by eating healthy, being active and staying mentally active. 

  1. Parkinson's Disease 

Parkinson's disease is a common age-related disease that affects many people over the age of 65. It is estimated that around one in 10 people over the age of 65 have Parkinson's disease.  One way to prevent Parkinson's disease is to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Also, make sure to keep your mind active by playing games, reading and doing crosswords.

  1. Osteoarthritis 

Osteoarthritis is a common age-related disease that affects many people over the age of 65. It is estimated that around one in three adults over the age of 65 have osteoarthritis.  To prevent osteoarthritis, it is important to exercise regularly and do weight-bearing exercises. Also, it is important to stretch your muscles and joints to keep them limber.

  1. Heart Attack 

Heart attacks can be a scary thing, but they are common in people over the age of 65. It is estimated that one in four people over the age of 65 has had a heart attack.  Heart attacks are caused by clogged arteries, so it is important to eat healthy and exercise regularly. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish and nuts will help keep your arteries free of plaque. Also, exercise will help keep your arteries healthy.

To Conclude,

As you get older, your body goes through a lot of changes.  However, these changes are not inevitable; you can help to prevent and manage many common age-related diseases and conditions. Take charge of your health, and remember to stay active and eat healthily.
Categorized into General Health
Tagged in Alzheimer's, Arthritis, Diabetes, Diet, Exercise, Fractures, Obesity, Osteoporosis
Ritesh Kukreja

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Ritesh Kukreja

Health & Food Blogger

Gender Male
Country India
Joined Jul 2021
Wrote 158 posts

Ritesh Kukreja, a medical writer, collaborates with health researchers, physicians, and other healthcare experts to create health blogs and online medical content for instructional and informational purposes.View Profile

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