In the United States, there are more than 50 million people over 65. This means that one in five Americans is a senior citizen! Many factors contribute to this fact. It’s essential to know that seniors are more susceptible to certain illnesses and health conditions. This article will list the most common illnesses among seniors.
Heart Disease
Heart disease has been the number one cause of death in America for decades. It is expected to kill more than 600,000 people this year alone! Generally speaking, heart disease occurs when plaque builds up in your arteries and limits blood flow throughout the body. This condition can be caused by high cholesterol levels or unhealthy lifestyles (i.e., smoking, poor diet). However, genetics also play a factor since some families are at risk for developing cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy.
Diabetes
Currently, 29 million Americans are living with diabetes. People with diabetes have problems regulating their sugar intake, which causes them to experience elevated blood glucose levels over an extended period. Unfortunately, these high glucose levels can damage the eyes, kidneys, heart, and other vital organs if left untreated. Diabetes is a severe disease that can lead to blindness, amputations, and even death. Diabetes is a hereditary condition, which means that your parents or grandparents may have been diagnosed with it.
Cancer
One in three Americans will develop cancer at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, cancer is also one of the leading causes of death among seniors. Many different types of cancer can affect people at any age, but certain cancers are more common in older adults. These include breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. Seniors are also at risk for developing blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory and cognitive function. It is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive impairments. Alzheimer’s disease usually affects people over 65, and there is currently no cure for it. The disease causes nerve cells in the brain to die, which leads to a decline in mental abilities. As the disease progresses, individuals will lose their ability to care for themselves and eventually require full-time care.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It occurs when dopamine-producing cells in the brain start to die off, resulting in balance, coordination, and walking problems. Parkinson’s disease can occur at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in people over 60. As people get older, their skin cells naturally produce less collagen and elastin. These proteins are essential for healthy cell growth, meaning Parkinson’s symptoms appear faster in seniors than in younger adults.