As we get older our bodies inevitably slow down and change. And unfortunately, in some cases, there is very little that we can do to prevent these things from happening.
To better understand these issues, we have combined a list of common health concerns that face millions of seniors across the globe, what causes them and what you can do to reduce the risk of developing them.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition where joints become inflamed. It can affect multiple joints in the body, and there are more than a hundred different types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The symptoms of arthritis include the swelling, pain, and stiffness of joints – which can restrict motion.
This condition can be accelerated by an infection or joint injury that speeds up the natural breakdown of cartilage tissue. Arthritis is more common in those who have a family history of this condition, and it is also linked to autoimmune disorders.
While in some cases it may be impossible to prevent arthritis, there are some things that you can do to manage and reduce your risk of getting it.
- Increase your intake of fish and Omega-3.
- Exercise, strengthen and protect joints.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Osteoporosis
The word Osteoporosis translates into ‘porous bones’ and is a condition that occurs when bone density and strength weakens. This weakening increases the risk of fractures and breaks, particularly that of the hip, spine, and joints.
As we age, bone tissue no longer renews itself at the same rate – which decreases density and breaks down the structure of this tissue faster than it can rebuild.
While this condition can be caused by age alone, other illnesses and lifestyle choices also contribute to the development of Osteoporosis. Alcohol abuse, lack of calcium, and eating disorders all add a risk factor.
To reduce the chance of Osteoporosis, you can:
- Limit your alcohol consumption.
- Quit smoking.
- Increase your calcium and Vitamin D intake.
- Get active and do more weight-bearing exercises.
Dementia
Dementia is not one specific disease; it is a collective term for a group of symptoms that are associated with the deterioration of memory and cognitive function. Alzheimer’s disease is the leading culprit in Dementia cases, and many other diseases and illnesses exhibit themselves with Dementia as a primary symptom.
This symptom is caused when damage is done to brain cells. This injury inhibits the communication between these cells, affecting behavior and memory.
The following steps can be taken to reduce the risk of developing Dementia.
- Cut smoking out completely and limit alcohol consumption.
- Make sure that you keep healthy blood pressure, blood sugar level, and cholesterol.
- Follow a healthy daily diet.
- Get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects the nervous system, progressively and gradually influencing movement. Tremors, slow motion, and stiffness are common symptoms.
This deteriorative disease occurs in five stages:
- Stage one: Mild symptoms such as tremors that interfere with daily tasks.
- Stage two: Symptoms worsen, increased stiffness across the whole body including impaired movement.
- Stage three: Loss of balance, symptoms become significantly more severe.
- Stage four: Symptoms become critical and limiting. The person now needs assistance with daily tasks.
- Stage five: Completely debilitating, the person is unable to do any task on their own. Often bedridden.
You can reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s by:
- Eating organic, raw fresh vegetables and produce free from pesticides and herbicides.
- Include more Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.
- Increase your Vitamin D3 intake.
- Get more aerobic exercise.
Getting older is a natural part of life but developing certain diseases and conditions do not have to be. By leading a healthy lifestyle and taking some preventative measures, you can significantly reduce your chances and risks of getting Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Parkinson’s and Dementia.
While age is a natural and beautiful part of life, some health concerns that come with time are severe and detrimental to our health. This is why so many individuals start taking supplements and preventative measures from an earlier age to try and maintain their health for years to come, for further info click here.
If you want to find out more about these conditions and how to prevent them, consult your doctor or healthcare provider.