Health problems often accompany old age. As people age, various health issues pop up, and knowing how to overcome them is an essential skill. Here is a list of the five common ones you should be ready for.
Oral health problems
A significant issue with ageing is the development of oral health issues. First, there is the common occurrence of periodontitis, which is when an infection happens in the gums and bones of the teeth. It could lead to bad breath and other worse conditions. Additionally, seniors are more likely to lose their teeth, and there will be no replacements. Therefore, arranging a regular dental appointment should ensure that you have a complete set of teeth for years to come.
Incontinence and bowel control issues
Another problem with age is that seniors often lose control of their body functions. For example, bladder and bowel control is weaker as you grow older. Fortunately, it is more often incontinence that is the issue. There are several methods of dealing with incontinence, including the use of sanitary products and exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. You should consult with doctors about your options for treating the issue.
Vision and hearing loss
Growing old means declining abilities in vision and hearing. Even those with 20/20 vision experience a bit of reduction in their ability to see. Ensure that your senses are still in good condition with regular screening. There are several issues like cataracts and macular degeneration that make it difficult to see with no immediate treatment for your eyesight. As for hearing loss, people who reach the age of 65 or older will often start losing their hearing. With screening, you can take steps to ensure you have a hearing aid or glasses to help you out.
Mental decline
A sad fact of ageing is that cognitive decline is widespread. For some people, it is not so bad. The signs could only be a few instances of mental slips and forgetfulness. However, dementia and extreme memory loss are prevalent in the ageing population. The key to preventing it is to keep the mind active. Do a few mental exercises every day and stay in touch with friends and family to keep the brain sharp.
Weaker muscles and bones
Your muscles will start to degrade around your 40s. Moreover, your bones will start becoming more brittle around that age. If you don’t do anything about it, you face the risk of broken bones and arthritis. Keep exercising and be more active so that your muscles will stay strong. It would help if you also had a good diet with calcium and the proper nutrients to ensure your body stays fit.
Final thoughts
Ageing is not a pleasant experience. Your body slowly loses its vigour and health as the years pass by. The various medical conditions above are only the most common that you might experience. Being ready for them should make your life much easier. Consult with your doctor about other requirements that you should prepare for.
