With so many Baby Boomers entering into their golden years, it is more important than ever to make sure that people are educated about senior health. For seniors living on their own or for families that are caring for an elderly parent, there is a lot of misinformation out there that can leave you feeling frustrated. It’s never a good idea to dismiss aches and pains as just signs of getting older. Whenever there is something out of the normal happening to your body it should be checked out.

As we all age, our bodies age along with us. It isn’t a surprise that seniors are more likely to have health issues than any other population. The concern is that many people think that some of the more common health issues are just a part of natural aging and not treatable. There are many things that can be properly treated if detected early no matter what your age. Education about senior health and potential issues should be a priority for your older family members.

Health literacy for seniors and caregivers can be vital in getting the proper treatment that you need. Early detection is always the best defense against health issues so you should be aware about some of the common issues to look out for. While many seniors have adopted healthy lifestyles and are living longer than ever, there are still many things to look out for as we age. Take a look at some of the most common health issues that face our seniors today.

Heart Disease

• The leading killer of men and women over the age of 65
• Can be genetically inherited
• The aging and damage to the heart muscle weakening it

Cancer

• Over 30% of seniors over 65 are dealing with Cancer
• Early detection remains the best defense
• Self examination education is important
• Customized treatments

Arthritis

• #1 condition in all seniors over 65
• Over 50% of seniors have some level of arthritis
• Pain can make staying active difficult
• Physical therapy can be helpful
• Pain management plan with a doctor

Alzheimer's

• Nearly 1 in 9 seniors are in some stage of Alzheimer's
• Can be difficult to diagnose in early stages
• Loss of short term memory
• Anxiety & Depression
• Can affect whole body health

Respiratory Diseases

• Lower Respiratory / Asthma / COPD
• Bronchitis or Emphysema
• Greatly affect quality of life
• Requires medication and oxygen
• Many conditions can become chronic

Diabetes

• 25% of seniors over 65 have diabetes
• At risk seniors should have routine blood sugar testing to monitor
• Early detection is important
• Can require lifestyle changes to manage effectively

Osteoporosis

• Reduction in bone density
• Causes brittle delicate bones
• Loss of mobility
• Negatively affect quality of life

As the body ages, there will always be health issues to consider. If you are concerned about an issue that you have or are worried about a parent, make sure that they see a professional quickly. Early detection can make all the difference in treating many conditions. Do your homework and be proactive about your own health.