Growing old brings lots of benefits like increased wisdom and the ability to enjoy grandparenting. However, aging also affects all aspects of your health, from the mental to the physical, and sexual. Common ailments in the elderly include back and neck pain, cardiovascular disease, depression, dental problems, and impaired sexual function. It's vital to take preventative measures to avoid age-associated problems.
Keep on reading to learn how you can avoid common health problems and age healthy and happy.
1. Your teeth and gums
With age, the enamel that protects your teeth starts to wear out, making you more prone to cavities and tooth decay. Aging also causes your teeth's nerves to become smaller, making you less pain-sensitive and possibly delaying the diagnosis of small cracks on the teeth's protective layer. That's the main reason why about 50% of older adults suffer from moderate or severe cases of periodontal disease. To prevent minor dental issues from developing into severe dental diseases, consult a dental specialist at the first sign of pain and discomfort in your teeth. Also, make sure to visit regular dental cleanings to remove dental plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth.
2. Your Bones
Aging makes your bones lose volume and density, which often leads to diseases like osteoporosis. Bone deterioration puts you at a higher risk of getting bone fractures, postural dysfunction, and height loss. While bone deterioration and osteoporosis are prevalent in women, men can experience them, too. Some of the earlier symptoms of osteoporosis include brittle and weak nails, weekend grip strength, and gum recession. You can prevent the development of this condition by increasing your intake of vitamin D and calcium and staying physically active. Make sure to consult a specialist if you suffer from back pain and frequent bone fractures as these symptoms may be caused by weakened bones. A doctor may prescribe medications that can help prevent bone loss and promote bone growth.
3. Your heart
As you age, your blood vessels become narrower and stiffer due to plaque accumulation. That is the main sign of a condition called arteriosclerosis. This condition is a common cause of heart attacks, peripheral vascular disease, and strokes. Things like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and bad habits like smoking, can increase your risk of clogged-up arteries. Some of the ways to avoid arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disease include: eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress.
4. Your Skin
With age, the skin typically loses its elasticity, leading to wrinkling, laxity, and a rough-textured appearance. However, by protecting your skin from sun damage and quitting smoking, you can actually prevent most of the negative effects of aging on your skin. Make sure to use sunscreen and moisturizer to protect your skin from direct sun's ultraviolet rays. Wearing a hat or a cap to protect your face and scalp while taking a sunbath is also a good idea. Start to care for your skin now to avoid further damage and reduce your risk of potentially lethal diseases like skin cancer.
5. Your Sexual Function
After menopause, when periods stop and estrogen levels lower, most women experience different body changes like reduced lubrication during sexual activity. Decreased hormone levels due to menopause can also lead to lower libido. For men, aging is typically linked to erectile dysfunction (ED) due to decreased testosterone levels. However, most cases of ED are caused by underlying health conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes and the side-effects of medications. Luckily, all of these problems can be successfully treated with topical estrogen therapy for women and lifestyle changes. As for men, they can be prescribed medications for this condition.
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