About 80% of seniors have one chronic disease. 68% have two or more illnesses. Despite these numbers, older adults can improve their health quality by managing symptoms of chronic diseases and reducing the risk of developing other health conditions.
To help older adults stay healthy as long as possible, we’ve put together a list of the most common chronic diseases with tips on managing these conditions.
Hypertension
High blood pressure is a chronic disease that affects 58% of seniors. It’s also called a silent killer since it has no symptoms. However, it has an immense effect on human health. It damages blood vessels and increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.
The common steers to reduce high blood pressure include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight;
- Consuming less salt and alcohol;
- Reducing stress;
- Doing daily exercises;
- Check blood pressure regularly.
Arthritis
Arthritis affects around 31% of seniors. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of this disease. In such conditions, the joint cartilage is breaking down over time. Many people dismiss the disease as an occasional ache. However, it deserves more attention before it leads to unwanted lifestyle changes.
The most common tips for managing the symptoms of arthritis include:
- Exercising regularly;
- Maintaining a healthy weight;
- Quitting smoking;
- Avoiding joint injuries.
