As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to certain health conditions. An estimated 25 percent of adults aged 65 and older have type 2 diabetes, and the risk of some types of cancer also increases with age. Tobacco use is now classified as a tobacco dependence disease, and is the leading preventable cause of illness and premature death in the United States. Substance abuse, including drugs and alcohol, is another area that is often overlooked in older adults, but can have serious health consequences. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has compiled a list of the 10 most common chronic diseases among older adults receiving Medicare coverage, along with tips for preventing or controlling them.
To help your older adult stay as healthy as possible, we're sharing the helpful NCOA infographic and highlighting key information, as well as prevention and management tips for each of the 10 chronic conditions.
1.Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common conditions among older adults. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly. To prevent or manage type 2 diabetes, it is important to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and monitor blood sugar levels.2.Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is another common condition among older adults. This condition occurs as a reduction in bone density and often goes unnoticed until a fall causes a break or fracture.To prevent or manage osteoporosis, it is important to get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and talk to your doctor about medications that can help.
3.Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. To prevent or manage heart disease, it is important to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and talk to your doctor about medications that can help.4.High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is another common condition among older adults. It occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is too high. To prevent or manage high blood pressure, it is important to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet low in sodium and saturated fat, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and talk to your doctor about medications that can help.5.Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a group of lung diseases that make it difficult to breathe.To prevent or manage COPD, it is important to avoid smoking and secondhand smoke exposure, get vaccinated against flu and pneumonia, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables, and talk to your doctor about medications that can help.
6.Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible brain disorder that affects memory and thinking skills. To prevent or manage Alzheimer's disease, it is important to stay mentally active by reading books or doing puzzles; stay socially active by joining clubs or volunteering; eat a balanced diet; exercise regularly; get enough sleep; avoid smoking; and talk to your doctor about medications that can help.7.Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. To prevent or manage cancer, it is important to maintain a healthy weight; exercise regularly; eat a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables; avoid smoking; limit sun exposure; get vaccinated against HPV; get regular screenings for breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer; and talk to your doctor about medications that can help.8.Arthritis
Arthritis is a group of conditions that cause joint pain and stiffness.To prevent or manage arthritis, it is important to maintain a healthy weight; exercise regularly; eat a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables; avoid smoking; use heat or cold therapy for pain relief; use assistive devices such as canes or walkers; take medications as prescribed by your doctor; and talk to your doctor about medications that can help.
9.Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are unable to filter waste from the blood properly. To prevent or manage chronic kidney disease, it is important to maintain a healthy weight; exercise regularly; eat a balanced diet low in sodium and saturated fat; avoid smoking; limit alcohol consumption; get regular screenings for kidney disease; and talk to your doctor about medications that can help.10. Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions among older adults.To prevent or manage depression, it is important to stay socially active by joining clubs or volunteering; stay mentally active by reading books or doing puzzles; get enough sleep; eat a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables; exercise regularly; avoid smoking; limit alcohol consumption; get regular screenings for depression; and talk to your doctor about medications that can help...
