Restoring Your Youth: 3 Common Health Issues for Seniors & How to Fix Them

Various aches and pains can make a person feel their age or older than their years. If you miss waking up feeling flexible, energetic, or pain-free, you might be eager to resolve a health issue to restore your youth.

Rather than accepting the problem as a symptom of aging and believing there is nothing you can do, you must take greater control of your health and, in turn, your future. Learn about five common health issues for seniors and how to fix them.

Arthritis

According to the Global RA Network, more than 350 million people worldwide live with arthritis. Yet, it is impossible to know if this is accurate, as many people will not seek medical help for their joint pain and inflammation. One thing is certain, arthritis is a painful condition that restricts movement and impacts a person’s quality of life.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, which is caused by the body losing too much or producing too little bone, or a combination. As a result, many people with osteoarthritis will develop thin or brittle bones, which increases their risk of a break or fracture. What’s more, they will experience joint pain and stiffness.

The best solutions: It isn’t possible to cure any form of arthritis at present, but you can treat it to lower your pain and improve your quality of life. Mild cases can be eased by performing various simple exercises recommended by a doctor. However, if you are experiencing significant pain in your joints, reach out to an orthopaedic doctor to learn more about specialist treatment for the affected area, such as your knees or hip. For instance, you could benefit from hip replacement surgery.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among seniors aged 65 and over. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 17.9 million people lose their life to the health issue every year. A senior is more likely to develop the health issue if they have high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Also, the aging process can cause a stiffening of a person’s heart and blood vessels, increasing their risk of heart disease.

The best solution: Lower your risk of heart disease by eating a nutritious, balanced diet, exercising regularly, and enjoying a good night’s sleep each night. Also, quit smoking, drink alcohol in moderation, and find ways to manage your stress levels.

Influenza and Pneumonia

Seniors will have a greater risk of experiencing serious flu symptoms and developing flu-related complications, such as pneumonia. The effects of the aging process can weaken a person’s immune system, making them more vulnerable to flu and pneumonia and less capable of fighting them away.

The best solution: It is vital that seniors aged 65 and over receive an annual flu shot to lower their risk of contracting and developing pneumonia. Depending on their age and health, a doctor may recommend the pneumonia vaccine, too.