Six in ten Americans live with at least one chronic disease, like heart disease and stroke, cancer, or diabetes. These and other chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in America, and they are also a leading driver of health care costs. Show
At CDC, our job is to make it easier for all Americans to make healthy choices so they can enjoy life. We know that most chronic diseases can be prevented by eating well, being physically active, avoiding tobacco and excessive drinking, and getting regular health screenings. CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) helps people and communities prevent chronic diseases and promotes health and wellness for all.
Key facts
Mental health problems are common among seniors and may include isolation, affective and anxiety disorders, dementia, and psychosis, among others. Many seniors also suffer from sleep and behavioral disorders, cognitive deterioration or confusion states as a result of physical disorders or surgical interventions. Research suggests that seniors benefit from supportive social connections and close personal relationships but suffer as a result of disrupted personal ties and loneliness. Health-care providers, especially those in primary care, can play a central role in promoting mental health for seniors by working with mental health professionals, local governments, civil society organizations, families, and communities to provide comprehensive mental health care and supportive environments. In addition, older people should be encouraged to actively participate in their communities and in society at large, while policymakers should ensure that seniors' mental health concerns are addressed in national health planning and policies. Links
Keep seniors healthier by understanding chronic health conditions80% of seniors have at least one chronic health condition and 68% have two or more. Despite these statistics, older adults can maximize health and quality of life by managing symptoms from existing health conditions and reducing the risk of developing other conditions. The National Council on Aging has put together a list of the top 10 most common chronic diseases in older adults on Medicare along with tips to prevent or manage them. To help your older adult stay as healthy as possible, we share NCOA’s helpful infographic and highlight key information and prevention and management tips for each of the 10 chronic conditions. 1. High blood pressure (hypertension) affects 58% of seniorsHigh blood pressure (also known as HBP or hypertension) is a serious condition that affects 58% of seniors on Medicare. It’s often called the “silent killer” because it has no symptoms. But it damages blood vessels and increases the risk of serious (and sometimes fatal) conditions like stroke and heart attack. Prevent or reduce high blood pressure by:
2. High cholesterol affects 47% of seniorsNearly half of all seniors on Medicare were treated for high cholesterol. When the body has too many bad fats, arteries get clogged and cause heart disease. Prevent or manage high cholesterol by:
3. Arthritis affects 31% of seniorsOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. It’s a joint disease where the joint cartilage is breaking down over time. That causes swelling and inflammation which leads to pain and stiffness. Some people dismiss arthritis as occasional aches or stiffness, but chronic arthritis pain can be so severe that seniors are forced to make unwanted lifestyle changes. Delay arthritis onset or manage symptoms by:
4. Coronary heart disease affects 29% of seniorsCoronary heart disease (also called ischemic heart disease) is caused when plaque builds up in the arteries leading to the heart. That decreases the amount of blood going to the heart and can cause additional complications like blood clots, angina, or heart attack. Prevent or manage coronary heart disease by:
5. Diabetes affects 27% of seniorsWhen someone has diabetes, the level of glucose in their blood (blood sugar) is too high. This can happen when the body doesn’t make enough insulin. When there isn’t enough insulin, glucose doesn’t get moved into the cells of the body. Instead, it builds up in the blood and causes high blood sugar. Over time, high blood sugar seriously damages the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, gums, teeth, nerves, and blood vessels. This leads to health conditions like heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation. People with diabetes are also more likely to have heart disease or a stroke, and at an earlier age. Prevent or manage diabetes by:
6. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 18% of seniorsChronic kidney disease causes a slow decline in kidney function over time. That causes an increased risk of heart disease or kidney failure. Prevent CKD or reduce symptoms by:
7. Heart failure affects 14% of seniorsHeart failure is when the heart becomes weakened and can’t pump as efficiently and can’t supply enough blood and oxygen to the entire body. This can cause changes in the heart muscle that cause fatigue, light-headedness, nausea, confusion, or decreased appetite. Prevent or manage heart failure by:
8. Depression affects 14% of seniorsDepression is a treatable medical condition that is not a normal part of aging. It can cause persistent feelings of sadness, emotional numbness, anxiety, sleep problems, concentration and memory problems, changes in appetite or weight, a loss of interest in activities, and more. Prevent or manage depression by:
If you’re concerned about suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. 9. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia affects 11% of seniorsAlzheimer’s disease is is a form of dementia. It’s the most common type and accounts for 60 – 80% of all dementia cases. Dementia is an umbrella term for a collection of cognitive symptoms. It’s caused when the brain is damaged by diseases like Alzheimer’s, many small strokes, or brain injuries. Alzheimer’s and other dementias cause memory loss and difficulty thinking or problem-solving that interfere with everyday life. Reduce the risk of dementia by:
10. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects 11% of seniorsCOPD is a disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It makes it hard to breathe and causes shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. Prevent COPD or manage symptoms by:
Next Step See the 10 most common chronic diseases in older adults at National Council on Aging Recommended for you:
By DailyCaring Editorial Team This article wasn’t sponsored and doesn’t contain affiliate links. For more information, see How We Make Money. Which of the following is one of the most common chronic health problems in late adulthood?Number 1: Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Fifty-eight percent of older adults were treated for hypertension – a common condition that involves both how much blood your heart pumps, as well as how resistant your arteries are to the blood flow.
What health problems are common in late adulthood?Common conditions in older age include hearing loss, cataracts and refractive errors, back and neck pain and osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression and dementia.
What are the most common chronic conditions in older adults?Chronic Diseases. Older adults are disproportionally affected by chronic conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. ... . The leading causes of death among older adults in the U.S. are chronic diseases—heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes.. What is the most common chronic illness?1) Heart Disease
Besides being one of the most common chronic diseases, heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. You can lower the risks of developing heart disease by exercising regularly and paying attention to your weight.
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