Senior Health

As you approach your senior years, senior health is a common concern. Aging often includes some degree of memory difficulties, loss of muscle tone, and higher blood pressure, but the extent to which these things occur depends on the individual. For yet other seniors, more serious issues present themselves, such as dementia, cancer, heart disease, and more. Knowing what health issues are common, and how to prevent potential complications, goes a long way toward preserving your health.

Common Senior Health Issues

According to a study from the USDA, the biggest health issue afflicting seniors aged 60 and older is high blood pressure. Other chronic conditions prevalent in the senior population include:

Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Stroke
Emphysema
Cancer

In addition to these chronic conditions, older adults can also suffer from decreased mobility. This can range from simple issues like not being able to walk as far as you used to, to serious limitations or being restricted to a mobility device. Seniors who took part in the USDA study reported problems with walking, running, stooping, crouching, and kneeling, as well as activities such as housework, exercise and gardening.

Lower income adults had higher incidents of the majority of these health issues, with the exception of cancer, which was more prevalent among higher income seniors.

Senior Nutrition

Proper nutrition is essential to healthy aging, and can have a considerable effect on many conditions. In the case of seniors, poor nutrition can lead to a wide range of health concerns including:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Osteoporosis
Being overweight or obese
Constipation
Having less energy

If you currently suffer from these health issues, a healthy diet can help you keep them under control. In addition, according to the National Institutes of Health, a healthy diet can also help protect seniors from diabetes, stroke, heart disease and some types of cancer.

Dietary Guidelines

According to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, people aged 50 and over should be especially careful to consume foods rich in vitamin B12 as well as reducing sodium intake to 1500 mg per day. These specifications are in addition to a balanced diet of nutrient-dense foods including a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, reduced-fat and fat-free dairy products, and lean proteins.

A well-rounded and healthy diet is sometimes difficult to stick to because, with age, the senses of taste and smell can weaken. Medications can also make food that was previously enjoyed have an odd or unappealing taste; in addition, some medications may reduce a person's appetite. These medications and natural diminishing of taste and smell can put seniors at risk for poor nutrition. A doctor can recommend some simple changes that can help improve lagging appetites, as well as refer you to a nutritionist if need be.

Exercise

While many seniors find it difficult to exercise, it is important to realize that staying active can ward off a host of health complaints. According to the U.S. Department of Health, older adults should avoid developing a sedentary lifestyle. Inactivity leads to muscle atrophy and also worsens many of the aches and pains associated with aging.

Older adults should strive for a minimum two and a half hours of moderate aerobic activity, spread throughout the week to prevent injuries, in addition to everyday moving around. Muscle-strengthening activities should be included at least twice a week in addition to the moderate aerobic exercise.

These activities do not have to be intense. A short walk, swimming, gardening or a bike ride all count as aerobic activity. Listen to your body and do what feels comfortable, but try to do a little each day. Muscle-strengthening activities can include yoga or Tai chi, carrying groceries or lifting hand-held weights.

Sedentary seniors with health concerns should discuss adding physical activity with their doctor before starting. Together they can create a fitness plan that fits the health and abilities of the patient.

Benefits of Exercise

Staying active offers seniors many health benefits. Exercise strengthens a lagging appetite, helps keep off unwanted pounds, improves heart health, improves balance and even keeps the mind sharp. Physical activity can improve mobility as well as flexibility, allowing seniors to be independent longer. Those who exercise regularly also have stronger bones and have a lower risk for depression.

The U.S. Department of Health states that staying active helps reduce the risk of many adverse health issues. The benefits far outweigh any possible injuries or complications.

Work With Your Doctor

Your doctor is your partner in healthy aging. Make sure to get yearly checkups to screen for potential health problems before they occur. If you have unusual symptoms or problems, see your doctor right away.

Medline Plus recommends reviewing your family health history before visiting your doctor. Knowing family members' histories can reveal diseases you may be at risk for. In addition to your family's medical history, bring a list of any problems or questions you have, and go over the list with your doctor. Be sure to ask if you are due for any special tests or screenings. If you don't understand something your doctor has told you, ask that it be explained more clearly and don't be afraid to take notes to help you remember your provider's answers.

By working with your doctor, eating right and staying active, you can delay or prevent common senior health issues. Healthy aging means something different for each and every person; however, nutrition, exercise, and healthcare are the keys to having healthy golden years.