Physical Problems of Old Age

As you age, you may develop chronic health problems that can be difficult to manage. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory conditions such as bronchial asthma and gout, arthritis and depression.

It’s normal to have some forgetfulness as you age, but if your memory problems become severe, see your doctor.

1. Loss of mobility

Whether it’s due to injury or simply the natural aging process, loss of mobility has profound physical, emotional and social consequences. It’s an under-recognized health problem that can often be prevented with better medical care.

In older people, the nerves conduct signals more slowly, and the cartilage that lines joints thinning makes them less flexible. In some cases, this can cause arthritis, a condition that causes the surfaces of joints to rub together and damage bone tissue.

The biggest risk for seniors is falls, which can lead to broken bones and a debilitating fear of falling again in the future. Injuries such as fractured hips can require use of a cane, walker or wheelchair permanently. Getting enough exercise helps keep muscles strong, balance and coordination stable, and can help prevent falls.

2. Joint pain

People often experience joint pain and swelling in their old age. These symptoms can interfere with their day-to-day activities and lead to fatigue. It is important to get these problems diagnosed and treated. A geriatrician (here's how to find one) or a doctor with expertise in aging can help.

The most common cause of stiff and painful joints is arthritis. This can occur in middle age or older, when cartilage, which cushions joints, wears down. Common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

A regular exercise program can help ease joint pain and stiffness. So can reducing your weight and taking anti-inflammatory medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Dietary supplements can also help, such as glucosamine. A good night's sleep may also help reduce pain and stiffness.

3. Dementia

A person can develop dementia when their brain cells die. This is caused by many conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body disease (unusual round clusters of protein) and vascular dementia (damage to blood vessels in the brain).

A gradual loss of thinking skills is the main symptom. This includes difficulty making decisions, getting lost or confused and forgetting recent events. It can also lead to problems with speech and writing and changes in mood or behaviour.

Some medicines can help delay the onset of dementia. Talk to your doctor about this. Keeping active, eating healthily and not smoking can also decrease your risk of dementia. However, there's no cure for most types of dementia. The symptoms can get worse over time, leading to choking and pneumonia if food or liquid enters the lungs.

4. Heart disease

A person's heart and blood vessels become stiffer with age. This can lead to conditions like high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. These problems can cause heart failure, aneurysms and other issues that can be very serious.

Symptoms of heart disease often get worse with age, including shortness of breath, a lack of energy, nausea and bloating. It's important to tell a doctor about these symptoms and how they have changed over time.

It's also important to take steps to lower your risk of heart disease. This includes eating a healthy diet, controlling your weight, avoiding smoking and following your doctor's recommendations for treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. This can help prevent a heart attack or stroke. This is especially important if you have a family history of these conditions.

5. Stroke

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off either by a bleed or a clot. Strokes in elderly people can cause serious, lasting health problems. If you notice your loved one acting strangely or having a hard time thinking clearly, it may be a sign of a stroke. If they have a sudden numbness on one side of their body or experience pain or tingling sensations, you can check their symptoms using the F.A.S.T test:

Ask them to smile and look if one side of their face moves differently than the other. Medical alarm USA Test their arm strength by having them raise both arms above their head and see if one drifts downward, which could indicate weakness in the arm. You can also test their speech and listen for slurred words.