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Aging is inevitable. Fortunately, most of us get wiser as we age, but a not so pleasant side effect of the process can be deteriorating health. Personally, I don’t believe that we have to completely fall prey to the disease process if we pay attention and get the knowledge we need to care for our bodies properly. That said, it is your choice to float aimlessly into your old age or maintain a healthy body and mind. Here are some common health problems that many encounter in old age and some tips to help prevent them, as well as how to cope with such issues should they arise.
Heart disease
Heart disease is the most threatening illness on the planet today. Each year, this condition claims millions of lives…men, women, and even children. There are several different types of illness, which come under the umbrella of heart disease, including heart attacks, heart failure, congenital heart defects, and angina. The heart can simply get tired, the muscle tissues start to weaken, making it impossible to do its job. In other cases, the disease process can be prevented with lifestyle factors. Smoking, drinking excessively, and eating a poor diet can all contribute to heart disease. Living a sedentary life can also elevate your risk of developing problems.
In order to keep your heart healthier for longer, there are various things you can do. Stay fit and active and pay attention to your diet. Increase your intake of whole grain foods, fruit, and vegetables. Steer clear of processed foods, fast food, and processed sugary treats. If you’re a smoker, it’s never too late to quit. You may think that a few more years of smoking won’t do you any harm. But you’re wrong. Giving up smoking now instantly lowers your risk of a heart attack, not to mention the major benefits for all your vital organs. If you need help with quitting, see your doctor.
Mobility issues
As you get older, you may find it increasingly difficult to get around without experiencing aches and pains. If you have persistent pain, or you’ve experienced a sudden onset of pain, always seek medical advice. There may be viable treatments out there that could ease the pain or even end it. What ever the case is, it can be tough to face up to the fact that your body isn’t quite as nimble or flexible as it used to be. This isn’t a time to be prideful, though. If you need help getting out and about, or you’re struggling at home, consider getting help from the good people from Home Assist. Local care services can offer help and support to enable you or your loved ones to maintain independence and stay safe at home.
Vision and hearing loss
It’s very common for older people to experience a degree of sight and hearing loss. There may be nothing you can do to prevent problems, but if you catch issues early, you may increase the chances of successful treatment. You could also prevent existing problems from getting worse. See your doctor if you notice changes in your vision or hearing. Are you straining to read or struggling when you drive? Are you always asking people to repeat themselves or turning the radio up all the time? If so, it may be time to get things checked out.
None of us like to think about battling health problems as we get older. But it’s worth it to keep tabs on your health. And always ask for help and assistance if you need it. There are often solutions out there, and they can make an amazing difference to your health and your quality of life.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your health care provider. Women’s lifelink, it’s owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.