Five Health Issues that Come with Age and How to Manage Them

With age comes a number of different ailments as the body deteriorates and becomes more fragile. For many people, it can be difficult to cope with the changes and learn how to manage them on a day-to-day basis. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to alleviate the symptoms and feel more comfortable.

 

elderly couple
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Arthritis

Almost half of all seniors suffer from arthritis due to activities that were practiced earlier in life. Consistent exercise is the key to alleviating the pain, as well as staying within a healthy weight range.

 

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss occurs for 43 percent of those over the age of 65 and is due to tiny hair cells in the ears that become damaged or die. This can be managed by avoiding ear plugs or using headphones. Loud environments or rooms should also be avoided to prevent further hearing loss.

 

Osteoporosis

As estrogen decreases with age in women, bone loss begins to occur and can cause osteoporosis to develop. 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams of calcium should be taken each day to supplement the changes and help to protect the bones from fractures. Elders can also increase their exposure to the sun to receive vitamin D.

 

Memory Loss

Loss of activity or mental stimulation can contribute to memory loss with age, making it important to stimulate the brain and prevent becoming isolated. For those who are living in a retirement community like Sunshine Retirement communities, it’s important to take advantage of social activities that are available throughout the week to reduce memory loss that can occur with age. Join a book club, attend dates with a companion, or write to a pen pal. You can also stimulate your brain by completing word puzzles or games and reading on a daily basis to ensure that your mind stays active.

 

Tooth Loss

Approximately 25 percent of seniors suffer from tooth loss and resort to getting dentures. Today, dental implants are a common option for a long-term solution that is more functional and natural. To prevent further tooth loss, brush with fluoridated toothpaste and floss at least once a day to maintain the circulation in the gums and prevent tooth decay from developing.

 

Although it may be impossible to avoid aging and having certain ailments develop, there are ways to manage the issues and make it possible to thrive. Instead of adjusting to the issues and health problems, there are several habits and practices to implement into your lifestyle to ensure that you preserve the health of your body and mind. With the right steps, it will make it easier to age and continue the quality of your lifestyle.