As we age, it is inevitable that our bodies will experience changes, and some of these changes may result in physical ailments. Some of these conditions may impact our daily lives, causing discomfort and limiting our activities, which can lead to other health problems. To live a fulfilling and healthy life as we age, it’s vital to understand some of the common physical ailments and know how to prevent or manage them. In this blog post, you’ll learn more about the topmost common physical ailments that affect ageing people and their remedies.
If you’re starting to feel the effects of ageing, you’re not alone. It’s perfectly normal that our bodies change over time, and this can create a variety of symptoms and conditions. If you want to find out more about the ailments you might expect as you age, and what you can do about them, then read on.
Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common physical complaints affecting ageing people. It’s a condition that affects the joints, causing inflammation, and making movement difficult and painful. As we age, the cartilage located between the bones wears away, resulting in the bones rubbing against each other, causing soreness and tenderness.
To tackle arthritis, maintain a healthy diet, lose weight, exercise regularly and engage in low-impact activities like yoga and swimming. A healthy lifestyle combined with medication can alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.
Osteoporosis
Another common physical ailment in ageing people is osteoporosis. It’s a condition that causes the bones to become frail and brittle, making them prone to fractures. Osteoporosis typically affects women more than men and becomes more prevalent as we age.
To tackle osteoporosis, maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D. Exercise regularly, including weight bearing activities, such as walking, and weight lifting. Medication may also be prescribed to slow down bone loss.
Vein Issues
Vein problems are common in ageing people since our veins weaken as we age. Varicose veins, for instance, occur when the valves fail to close properly, causing blood to flow in the wrong direction. This can cause swelling and pain. Spider veins are also common and are caused by the same malfunctioning valves.
To tackle vein issues, wear compression stockings and keep your legs elevated when sitting. You can also see a vein specialist for more specific treatments and advice.
Hearing Loss
As we age, hearing loss is a common physical condition that many people experience. It’s a condition that causes a decrease in our ability to hear sounds. The condition becomes more prevalent as we age and can significantly impact our quality of life.
To tackle hearing loss, regular ear check-ups by a professional is necessary. When in noisy environments, use earplugs or noise cancelling earphones. A sign language course can also be beneficial and improve communication in case of advanced hearing loss.
Eye Problems
As we age, changes occur in our vision, and we may experience eye problems. Vision loss, difficulty reading small prints, and cataracts are some of the most common eye problems that affect ageing people.
To tackle eye problems, make sure to go to regular eye check-ups. Use reading glasses when necessary, and avoid sun exposure to protect your eyes. Eating foods rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants can also help maintain healthy eyesight.
Heart Diseases
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among ageing people. As we age, the arteries in our heart can become clogged, preventing sufficient blood flow and increasing the risk of heart diseases.
To tackle heart disease, maintain a nutritious and healthy diet, exercise regularly, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Regular check-ups and monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol levels can also help prevent heart disease.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries is too high. It can be caused by poor lifestyle habits, such as smoking, and a lack of physical activity. It can also be caused by age.
To tackle high blood pressure, maintain a healthy diet, exercise, and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol in excess. Medication may be prescribed if necessary. Over-the-counter medications such as aspirin are also beneficial for hypertension prevention and management.
Joint Problems
Joint problems include arthritis and osteoporosis, but many older people also suffer from stiff joints that are not one of these problems. Joints can become inflamed, making movement painful and difficult.
To tackle joint problems, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly and engage in stretching activities like yoga or tai chi. Taking supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin may also be beneficial for joint health.
Tiredness
Tiredness is another common physical ailment in aging people. As we age, our bodies produce less energy and we tire more easily. To tackle tiredness, make sure to get enough rest and sleep. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding sugary drinks can also help boost energy levels. Regular exercise can also help increase energy levels and reduce fatigue.
Feeling tired doesn’t mean you have to stop doing the things you enjoy. Instead, make sure you get enough rest and sleep, and plan your days more carefully so you have the energy you need to do what you want. Exercising may make you feel more tired to start with, but it will actually boost your energy levels long term.
As we age, our bodies change, and physical ailments become more prevalent. However, through healthy living, exercise, and regular medical check-ups, we can manage and prevent some of these common physical ailments. Maintaining a healthy diet and ensuring we exercise regularly can go a long way in fighting some of these age related physical conditions. Each day spent while maintaining a healthy lifestyle will guarantee an improvement in our physical wellbeing, and ageing can be a fulfilling experience.