Top Health Conditions for Adults Over 65

Heart Disease

Heart disease includes heart failure, heart attack, coronary artery disease (narrowing or hardening of the arteries), and heart arrhythmia. These conditions can cause your heart to beat ineffectively and affect your circulation.

These conditions are associated with—or caused by—diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood). Smoking, improper diet, obesity, too much alcohol, lack of exercise, and family history increase your risk of developing heart disease.

That means that quitting smoking (or not starting), achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, drinking alcohol in moderation, and eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet can all help reduce your risk of heart disease.

If you have a family history of heart disease or you have any of the conditions associated with heart disease, talk to your healthcare provider about how to lower your personal risk.

Cancer

All kinds of cancer, including breast cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, and blood and bone marrow cancers (like leukemia) fall into this category. As we age, our risk of developing cancer increases.

Lifestyle changes that may reduce your risk of developing cancer include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating more fruits and vegetables, and cutting back on red and processed meats. Using sun protection can also help protect against the development of skin cancer.

A recent study also showed that people who engaged in recommended amounts of exercise had a statistically significant reduction in seven of the 15 cancer types studied.

COVID-19

In 2020, COVID-19 emerged as a leading cause of death around the globe. Symptoms vary by person, but older people—and those with other conditions like lung disease—are at a greater risk of serious illness.

The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to get your vaccine and booster shots. Follow appropriate masking guidance for your area, and avoid contact with people who are sick.

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about any underlying conditions you have, and when your symptoms might warrant a trip to the hospital.

Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke)

Cerebrovascular disease is a group of conditions that includes stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can be due to a blood clot or blockage (like a cholesterol plaque) that cuts off blood flow to a part of the brain, or a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Both can cause damage or death to brain tissue.

Strokes can cause paralysis, speech disorders, swallowing problems, and immobility. High blood pressure (hypertension) is the most important risk factor for stroke, but diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking also increase the risk.

Quitting smoking and managing conditions such as high blood pressure with the help of your healthcare provider can help lower your risk of stroke.

Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease

Chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) is a group of four diseases: chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and asthma. These conditions make it difficult to breathe. As they progress or get worse, you have to work harder and harder to catch your breath, often feeling like you're suffocating.

The most important thing you can do to prevent or slow the progression of CLRD is to stop smoking (or not start) and avoid secondhand smoke. Be mindful of using a wood-burning stove or fireplace, as they can increase also increase your risk of lung damage.

Alzheimer's Disease

This progressive and deadly disease causes progressive memory loss, personality changes, and eventually, a complete loss of function and ability. The causes of Alzheimer's disease are unknown, but there are medications that can slow it down.

Avoiding head trauma will reduce your risk. Ways to do this include wearing a seat belt and wearing a helmet when playing contact sports. Challenging your brain by studying a new area or learning a new skill may also offer some protection. Smoking has also been linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Diabetes may increase your risk, and studies have shown that people with high blood sugar had more rapid cognitive decline compared to those with normal blood sugar. Diet may have a significant protective effect. Research has shown that the MIND diet reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 53%. The MIND diet is a hybrid of the Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets.

Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, is a chronic disease that weakens the immune system and can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and other circulatory problems. With this condition, wounds take longer to heal and respiratory infections, like pneumonia, can be more severe.

Maintaining an appropriate weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

Smokers are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Quit smoking or avoid it altogether.

Accidents

Drug overdoses, car accidents, poisonings, and falls can all be deadly. In older people, simple falls can result in fractures that cause immobility and disability and may hasten death. 

Balance disorders, failing eyesight, and slower reflexes may contribute to a greater risk of accidents in people aged 65 and older.

Exercise programs can help you improve your balance and maintain strength. Other steps you can take to minimize your risks of a fall include: keeping eyeglass prescriptions up to date, rising slowly from a sitting position (to avoid getting dizzy), and wearing rubber-soled, flat shoes.

It's also important to be aware of potential side effects of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.

Nephritis

Kidney inflammation, or nephritis, can be sudden (acute) or long-lasting (chronic). Possible causes include bacterial infection or exposure to chemicals or toxins, such as mercury, arsenic, or alcohol. Autoimmune disease and a number of medications may also play a role.

If left untreated, kidney inflammation can cause your kidneys to fail (also called renal failure). When your kidneys fail, toxins can build up because your body can't filter your blood properly. You may see a decrease in urine output. Chronic renal failure may lead to a ​need for dialysis. See a healthcare provider for treatment if you have symptoms of a kidney problem.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a type of progressive movement disorder that can lead to tremors and problems with movement and balance. It typically develops after age 60.

The condition is thought to be caused by both genetic changes and environmental factors. While, there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, symptoms can be managed with various treatments, including medication and lifestyle changes.

Studies suggest that maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular aerobic exercise may help with symptom control and possibly slow the progression of the condition.