5 health issues you are likely to face in your old age

Old age comes with its own share of struggles. These struggles may range from mental to physical capabilities of the body to perform the usual functions. Thankfully it is possible to manage these issues and live a fulfilling life in your old age. You just need to talk to your doctor for recommendations.

Meanwhile, see below some of the challenges you might encounter.

Arthritis

Arthritis manifests as pain in the joints which worsens with age. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis among old people which affects both men and women even though men are more likely to suffer from this type of arthritis than women. The pain that comes as a result of arthritis results from the rubbing of exposed bones after the cartilage that covers them wears out.

Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease of the neurons that results from the shrinking of the brain. This disorder affects a person’s ability to think independently. Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia especially among old people aged 65 and above.

A person  with the disease is usually susceptible to injuries. Therefore, they will require constant care and support in daily activities, like using the toilet and feeding, to keep them safe from harm.

Although Alzheimer’s is not hereditary, research shows that people who have a close relative are likely to get the disease. Such people are advised to get their affairs in order before such a time when they are likely to experience impaired brain functions.  

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Loose bladder

Otherwise known as urinary incontinence or overactive bladder, loose bladder is a condition where a person leaks urine by accident. This condition is common in older women and can be caused by urinary tract infections, vaginal infection or irritation, or constipation that make the muscles controlling urine to work abnormally.

However the severe cases of an overactive bladder occur due to a weak pelvic floor, infection of the prostate gland among men and damage of nerves.

The good news, however is, it is possible to control or treat this condition. The treatment may include exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles and medication. The condition may also require you to change your lifestyle by reducing intake of caffeinated drinks and alcohol.

Tooth loss

Contrary to the belief that aging causes tooth loss, the root cause is actually a number of number of dental diseases like periodontal disease, gingivitis, which is the inflammation of the gums and periodontitis which is an inflammation of both the bone and the tissues of the teeth.

It is believed that these diseases are likely to attack an elderly person due to reduced dental hygiene. That is why it is perceived that old age causes tooth loss.

The best remedy is to observed proper dental hygiene and care in old age.

Sight and hearing challenges

Age related hearing challenges come about due to long term exposure to ear damaging noise. Whereas eye sight challenges may be as a result macular degeneration (degeneration of the macula, the area of the retina responsible for central vision) glaucoma (a group of disorders characterized by glaucomatous optic nerve damage and visual field loss ) cataract and diabetic retinopathy.

Photo by David Travis / Unsplash

Conclusion

While how you take care of yourself in your youth could determine your health in the sunset years, the above health challenges occur naturally and are likely not an indication of the lifestyle you had in your youth. Nevertheless, it is important to take care of yourself and go for routine checks so that issues can be identified early enough for easy management and treatment where possible.