Old age also brings with it various health issues. However, there are ways to deal with these health issues and to enjoy healthy aging. Here are 5 of the most common health concerns for senior citizens along with remedies that help in preventing them:

Arthritis
Almost all senior citizens above the age of 65 years suffer from some form of arthritis, the common one being osteoarthritis. Although this chronic joint condition is an age-related health problem where the cartilage between the joints starts to wear out with age, being overweight, smoking, having weak muscles or some form of a joint injury can accelerate or worsen the condition. Osteoarthritis generally affects the joints in the knees, feet, lower back, hips, neck and hands. Osteoarthritis is painful and causes swelling in the joints making it difficult to move around. However, certain remedies like regular intake of fish oils, glucosamine and other medicines can ease the pain; and physical activity like swimming can help the joints remain steady.

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Alzheimer’s Disease
This chronic condition is one of the most common health problems of people over the age of 65 years. It is a form of dementia that affects the memory and cognitive functions. Seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease tend to forget conversations, misplace things, repeat statements. The condition can worsen over time – seniors may stop recognizing family members and stop responding to others. While there is still no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, certain therapies that keeping the body and mind active, like yoga, may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

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Diabetes:
The condition where your blood sugar levels shoot up and your body is unable to produce or use insulin well is a common health problem prevalent in the senior community. Quite a lot of senior citizens above the age of 65 years suffer from it. Suffering from diabetes for too long could lead to kidney failure, heart diseases, etc. However, diabetes is a disease that is developed at a young age, and if detected early, blood sugar levels can be kept in control with proper care and lifestyle changes.

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Heart disease
Our heart begins to tire as we age with time, and medical conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure tend to weaken our hearts further. Medical research conducted by various organizations, such as the American Heart Association, shows that most deaths of senior citizens are caused by heart diseases. In fact, the Center For Disease Control says that heart diseases are the leading cause of death of senior citizens above the age of 65 years. However, one can avoid it by following a healthy diet, exercising on a regular basis, getting enough rest, and quitting consuming alcohol and smoking.

Cancer
The risk of developing cancer increases with age. However, with the advancement of medical science, it is now possible to detect and cure various forms of cancer, such as colon cancer and breast cancer, at an early stage. Modern chemotherapy also helps to heal certain symptoms of cancer increase and increases longevity. So, even if we are not able to prevent cancer completely, it is possible to improve a senior citizen’s quality of life with proper treatment and care.

Remember this motto for healthy aging: Prevention is always better than cure.

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