Aging can come with a lot of stress and health problems. Where there is freedom, there also come some obstructions. Retirement relaxes you and lessens your burden; you are also free from the responsibilities of your children and their expenses. But this stage comes with new challenges which require your very own physical and mental strength. Your body tends to slow down and you will not be able to perform activities as actively as before. (Image Credit: Francesco Nigro/Pixabay) (Image Credit: Gerd Altmann/Pixabay)
Here is where your emotional and mental strength comes in hand. If you are mentally and emotionally strong, you will be able to cope with your body changes happily and lead a life with strength and dignity. If you are emotionally and mentally weak, you will become dependent on others, which can be a burden on your family members.
Here is a list of some major health issues which people usually face in their later years. Along with the health problems, we have also explained the kinds of ways which you can deal with these problems.
- Heart problems:
There are more chances of cardiac arrest or heart failure once you have crossed the age of 60. The fatty acids build up on the walls of arteries causing arteriosclerosis which further leads to other chronic diseases like blood pressure and hypertension. You should make sure to regularly get your heart health checked by the trusted doctor so that you can detect the problem at the right stage. Be sure to exercise every day, even a short walk is helpful to heart health as it gets the blood pumping and oxygen flowing.
If you’re considering traveling, especially if you’re traveling with pacemaker monitor, consult your cardiologist for guidance on managing your device while on the go. Additionally, maintaining a heart-healthy diet and adhering to any prescribed medications can significantly contribute to your overall cardiovascular well-being.
- Digestive disorders:
With age, some people tend to go through many gastric problems which create the base for other major health problems. Constipation, painful and irregular bowel movements are some of the problems caused by indigestion. Intake of some medicines and lack of physical activity are some of the main causes which lead to digestive problems. Other than taking medicines, you should also focus on improving your lifestyle and adopt natural measures to improve your health. Healthy diet of all natural and organic foods can help avoid any digestive issues. Some of these plants serve as a natural digestive aid and will help in strengthening the functions of your digestive system.
- Cognitive health problems:
Cognitive health problems are mental health disorders which result in a person’s disabilities to remember some things or some phases of their life. A high percentage of people suffer from Alzheimer’s, which is one of the most common problems in cognitive disorders. Memory loss (short or long), confusion about the identity of yourself or your family members are some of the symptoms of this problem. There are certain medications that one can opt for in order to control this problem. However eating a natural diet of fruits and vegetables can help stave off these symptoms and restore mental function.
- Oral health problems:
Senior citizen face dental problems once they cross a certain age. Tooth loss is one of the most common oral problems faced by the elderly. You will start losing teeth gradually after the age of 65. Proper precautions and oral hygiene can help you avoid and delay this problem. Mouth dryness is another problem which is very common at this age. Insufficient saliva in the mouth does not allow you to chew or swallow properly. Other problems include gum disease or infection, bad breath, cavities, and oral sores. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated during all stages of life, and take good care of your teeth daily.
- Bone and Joints problems:
Bones and joint problems are the most common and obvious problems that people suffer in old age. The bones start to lose their calcium and start deteriorating with time. Your joints also become stiff and do not allow you to be flexible as you were before. If you stop working out and stop all the physical activities out of fear of bone damage, they will get damaged even more. You should indulge in physical activities and stay as active as possible.
Following are some of the measures you can take in order to prevent these problems or to tackle them in a healthy way:
- You should make sure to visit your doctor regularly and after fixed time intervals. Get your tests done on time and start the medication after consulting a good doctor.
- Develop good eating habits. Indulge in food which makes your immune system healthy and does not cause any harm to you. Eating junk and fried food further deteriorates your health and makes you weak.
- A healthy lifestyle is the foundation of a healthy and long life. It reduces the chances of many major diseases related to heart, stress, and digestion.
If health issues start to arise as you age, you will be able to face these health problems in a better way if you are prepared for these challenges. Being prepared for these health issues will avoid the feeling of being weak and hopelessness.
