Elderly individuals are more prone to certain diseases and health conditions due to the natural aging process and accumulated wear and tear on the body over time. Some common diseases in the elderly include:
- Cardiovascular disease: heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure.
- Arthritis: inflammation of the joints leading to pain, stiffness and limited mobility.
- Osteoporosis: a condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.
- Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia: progressive brain disorders that affect memory, thinking and behavior.
- Cancer: various types of cancer are more common in the elderly population.
- Diabetes: a condition in which the body is unable to produce or properly use insulin.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): a progressive lung disease that makes breathing difficult.
- Parkinson’s disease: a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement.
- Urinary incontinence: the loss of bladder control.
It’s important for elderly individuals to have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider and to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of developing these and other age-related diseases.