Most Common Health Concerns for Seniors

Morrison Diaz
Jul 10, 2017 · 4 min read

No matter whom we are — man, woman, rich or poor — we all grow old. But the pace and precise way it happens varies from person to person, depending on genetic and environmental factors. While someone’s genetic makeup plays a huge part in determining his life expectancy, the quality of health care received and a healthy lifestyle is significant contributors to longevity.

Nonetheless, dealing with the aging process is a challenge, and when it begins, the impact is felt throughout the body — in the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, musculoskeletal, and immune systems. And while an individual can age and remain healthy, some ailments are directly linked to age-related change. Getting older can bring senior health challenges. By being aware of these common chronic conditions, you can take steps to stave off disease as you age.

In America today, people can expect to live longer than ever before. Once you make it to 65, the data suggest that you can live another 19.3 years, on average, according to statistics. For many, then, senior living includes carefully managing chronic conditions to stay healthy. Making healthy lifestyle choices, like quitting smoking and losing weight, can help you avoid senior health risks, though “you also need to be physically active and eat a healthy diet. Then you too can be among the 41 percent of people over 65 who say their health is very good or excellent.


These are the most common ailments we develop as we age:

1. Vision changes/Cataracts

Before an individual turns 50, the eyes have begun to change. As they age, the eyes become less able to produce tears, the retinas thin, and the lenses gradually turn yellow and become less apparent. As aging progresses, the iris (the colored portion of the eye) stiffens, becomes less responsive, and it is harder to adapt to different light levels. The three most common ailments related to aging eyes are cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. In a patient with the eye disease glaucoma, the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises, which can lead to vision loss or blindness if not treated. Age-related macular degeneration causes no pain but gradually robs an individual of his/her clear, central vision. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 60.

2. Hearing loss

One in three people older than 60 and half of those older than 85 have hearing loss. The gradual hearing loss that occurs with aging is called presbycusis and is thought to run in families. Hearing loss can also be caused by a virus or bacteria, heart condition or stroke, head injury, tumors and certain medications. Hearing loss hinders or prevents vital communication with family, friends, and caregivers, banishing an individual to virtual isolation. This can cause frustration, anger, and depression.

3. Arthritis

Arthritis is probably the number one condition that people 65 or older contend with. It was estimated that it affects 49.7 percent of all adults over 65 and can lead to pain and lower quality of life for some seniors. Although arthritis can discourage you from being active, it’s important to work with your doctor to develop a personalized action plan that, along with other treatment, can help maintain senior health.

4. Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading killer of adults over age 65. As a chronic condition, heart disease affects 37 percent of men and 26 percent of women 65 and older. As people age, they’re increasingly living with risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, that increase the chances of having a stroke or developing heart disease.


5. Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death among people over age 65. This disease evokes universal fear when mentioned, and while it strikes people of all ages, adults are more likely to get cancer as they age (even if no one in your family has had it). And though you’re not always able to prevent cancer, you can improve your quality of life as a senior living with cancer, including during treatment, by working with your medical team and maintaining their healthy senior living recommendations.

6. Respiratory Diseases

Although having a chronic respiratory illness increases senior health risks, making you more vulnerable to pneumonia and other infections, getting lung function tests and taking the correct medication, or using oxygen as instructed, will go a long way toward preserving senior health and your quality of life.

7. Alzheimer’s Disease

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that one in nine people age 65 and older, which is about 11 percent, have Alzheimer’s disease, but because the diagnosis is challenging, it’s difficult to know exactly how many people are living with this chronic condition. Still, experts acknowledge that cognitive impairment has a significant impact on senior health across the spectrum, from issues of safety and self-care to the cost burden of care, either in the home or a residential facility.

8. Diabetes

Diabetes can be identified and addressed early with simple blood tests for blood sugar levels. The sooner you know that you have or are at risk for diabetes, the sooner you can start making changes to control the disease and improve your long-term senior health outlook.

9. Falls

The risk for falls requiring emergency room care increases with age. Each year, 2.5 million people ages 65 and older are treated in emergency departments because of falls. That’s more than any other age group. Also be aware that most falls occur in the home, where tripping hazards include area rugs and slippery bathroom floors.

10. Depression

A threat to senior health, depression can lower immunity and can compromise a person’s ability to fight infections. In addition to treatment with medication and therapy, other ways to improve senior living might be to increase physical activity, recommendations for exercise or to interact socially more.