Many people give little thought to how life will be as a senior citizen when they are in the early decades of adulthood. During this period, thoughts and activities focus on building a meaningful career and getting on the housing ladder. Work takes up a significant proportion of the week, and finding a life partner is one of the key priorities for many people.
Most younger adults enjoy good health for many decades and are largely free from chronic ailments or health conditions. However, it is important to consider some of the most common health conditions that can affect you as a senior citizen.
With this knowledge, you can cultivate healthy living habits or lifestyle changes that minimize the risks of suffering from these forms of illness. In this article, two common health conditions that affect the elderly will be discussed, with information on how to manage or prevent them.
Reduced mobility
In later life, it is common for the elderly to experience reduced levels of mobility. This can be due to a loss of muscle and bone mass as an effect of natural aging. As mobility levels decline, the risk of suffering injuries from slips or falls increases, and reduced bone density can make it more common to suffer fractures after a fall.
When mobility levels decline to a point where personal safety becomes an issue, it is important to take steps to combat this. One key solution is to consider relocating to a senior living establishment. There will be teams of highly trained healthcare staff on-site who can create bespoke care plans that aim to manage mobility problems at these premises.
They may be able to give residents tailored exercise and fitness routines that reduce the loss of muscle mass and bone density to maximize mobility levels and ensure that independent living can still take place. In short, it can be ideal to move to a well-run senior living establishment to enjoy a healthy and safe lifestyle as a senior citizen.
Stroke
While any age group can experience a stroke, evidence indicates that this serious medical condition is more common in the elderly. Approximately three-quarters of all strokes occur in people aged 65 or above.
While many people fully recover after a stroke, some are left with long-term problems with their speech or movement; in some cases, a stroke can be fatal. Thankfully, there are several ways to minimize the risk of experiencing a stroke in later life. Firstly, it is important to cease smoking tobacco products as soon as possible if you smoke.
Research indicates that people who smoke 20 cigarettes a day are six times more likely to experience a stroke than non-smokers as smoking narrows the blood vessels and can increase the likelihood of blockages occurring to the blood supply in the brain. In addition, it is important to adhere to a balanced diet that is low in saturated fats and processed ingredients.
Finally, regular exercise can help reduce the chances of a stroke occurring as this promotes improved cardiovascular health. Simply put, enjoying an active, healthy lifestyle and a balanced nutritious diet can be the ideal way to reduce the likelihood of a stroke in later life.
