As we age, our bodies naturally deteriorate every day, increasing the chances of various illnesses, especially these six diseases commonly found in the elderly.
Although we cannot stop aging and may eventually encounter these diseases, we can delay the process of deterioration by observing ourselves for any symptoms and taking care of our health to help preventing the onset of these diseases. You can find more details on this matter in the following article.
1. Stroke
Stroke is a condition that occurs due to the blockage or narrowing of blood vessels, leading to inadequate blood supply to the brain. It can also result from the tearing of small blood vessels or the bursting of an aneurysm. In elderly individuals, it may be caused by the loss of flexibility in the blood vessel walls.
Symptoms
Patients with stroke often experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, weakness in the arms and legs, or slurred speech. These symptoms may occur suddenly and briefly.
Prevention
- Annual health check-ups aim to identify risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. If any risk factors are found, prompt treatment is necessary, and regular visits to the doctor are essential. Self-discontinuation of medications should be avoided, and immediate medical attention is required if any abnormal symptoms arise, indicating temporary insufficient blood supply to the brain. Even if the symptoms disappear on their own, it is crucial to seek medical attention.
- Not stressed.
- Control blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and weight within normal range.
- Maintain a balanced diet by consuming all 5 food groups, with a particular focus on vegetables and fruits. Avoid salty, sweet, and fatty foods.
- Engage in regular exercise, at least 30 minutes per day, 3 times a week.
- Quit smoking and avoid alcoholic beverages.
- For individuals with cerebrovascular disease, either stroke or blockage, doctors may prescribe medications to prevent the recurrence of the disease. However, the use of these medications requires close monitoring and adherence to the doctor's advice strictly. If the medications are used incorrectly or not consistently followed, serious complications that can be life-threatening may occur.
2. Ischemic Heart Disease
Ischemic heart disease occurs when the coronary arteries narrow or become blocked due to the buildup of fatty deposits on the artery walls. If left untreated for a prolonged period, it can lead to sudden death or a heart attack, where the heart muscle dies abruptly.
Symptoms
The symptoms and warning signs of acute myocardial infarction, or heart attack, include tightness in the chest, sweating, palpitations, radiating pain to the left arm, jaw, and upper back, left shoulder pain, epigastric pain, or a feeling similar to indigestion or acid reflux. However, this condition often occurs suddenly, and more than half of the people who die suddenly from ischemic heart disease do not have any previous symptoms.
Prevention
- Annual health check-ups.
- Avoid high-fat foods, especially saturated fats from animal meats, fast foods, butter, and full-fat dairy products.
- Increase the intake of vegetables and fruits in each meal.
- Control blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
3. High blood pressure
The majority of patients with high blood pressure, around 90-95%, cannot have a clear cause identified for their condition. Medical professionals explain that hypertension is a disease that occurs due to the natural characteristics of humans, such as genetic predisposition and advancing age.
Individuals affected by this condition will have blood pressure at an abnormally high level, specifically equal to or greater than 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Symptoms
The majority of patients with high blood pressure often do not exhibit noticeable symptoms. However, some may experience occasional dull headaches, stiffness at the back of the neck, dizziness, and occasional throbbing headaches similar to migraines. In individuals with long-standing hypertension, there might be symptoms like fatigue, palpitations, and difficulty sleeping.
Prevention
- Avoid all types of salty foods.
- Emphasize consuming vegetables and fruits that provide potassium, such as pumpkin, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, mango, banana, and guava.
- Should consume low-fat milk and dairy products that provide calcium, plant-based sources of magnesium and fiber, such as kidney beans, tofu, sesame seeds, etc.
- Control body weight by measuring waist circumference, which should not exceed half of one's height.
- Engage in regular exercise, at least 3-4 days per week, for 30-60 minutes per day.
- Avoid or reduce alcohol consumption and smoking.
- Individuals with a family history of high blood pressure should have their blood pressure checked at least every 2 years. If they are over 35 years old, they should have it checked annually.
- Individuals with blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 mmHg are considered in the "pre-hypertension" category and are at risk. They should make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk.
4. Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is caused by various changes in the brain, leading to a decline in certain brain functions, which affects the brain's overall performance. However, the exact clear cause of Alzheimer's disease is still not known.
Symptoms
Patients with Alzheimer's disease will experience major memory problems. They will have difficulty in remembering and learning new things, repeat questions or actions, and exhibit other cognitive impairments such as getting lost or being unable to manage basic daily routines independently. They may also face emotional and behavioral issues like irritability, apathy, and mood swings, as well as a lack of inhibition, nervousness, and nervous tics.
Prevention
- Train the brain through activities such as doing math, reading books, playing games, or practicing the use of new tools or equipment.
- Engage in frequent social interactions and conversations with others, such as going to temples, attending gatherings, visiting elderly clubs, etc.
- Be cautious about the occurrence of brain accidents and slip and fall incidents.
- Take care of physical health by consuming all 5 food groups, avoiding smoking, engaging in regular exercise, and having an annual health check-up.
5. Diabetes
The causes of diabetes can be classified into four types based on the types of diabetes, as follows:
- Type 1 diabetes is caused by the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas by the body's own immune system, leading to insulin deficiency. It is commonly found in children.
- Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, where the body's cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, leading to insulin deficiency. It is commonly found in adults, especially those who are overweight or obese, accounting for about 95% of all diabetes cases.
- Diabetes that occurs during pregnancy is known as Gestational diabetes.
- Diabetes with specific causes can result from genetic disorders, diseases of the pancreas, diseases of the liver, diseases of the endocrine glands, certain medications, and other specific factors.
Symptoms
- Feeling thirsty often.
- Frequent urination with large volume.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Blurry vision
- Numb hands and feet
Prevention
- Reduce the intake of sugar or carbohydrate-rich foods, such as soft drinks, sweets, pastries, etc.
- Engage in regular exercise.
- Maintain a healthy weight within the normal range.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
6. Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee Osteoarthritis occurs due to the degeneration of the cartilage in the knee joint, often associated with aging, increased body weight, genetics, or previous injuries to the knee joint or ligaments. Chronic repetitive injuries to the knee joint from work or sports, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, septic arthritis, and endocrine disorders can also be contributing factors.
Symptoms
When starting to move, such as walking up or down stairs, sitting and folding the knees, or after prolonged immobility, there may be a feeling of bone rubbing or loud sounds in the joint. When the condition of knee osteoarthritis worsens, the pain becomes more severe, and it becomes difficult to fully extend or bend the knee. The leg muscles become weak, the knee joint becomes stiff, swollen, or deformed, making daily activities challenging.
Prevention
- Adjusting everyday activities, such as avoiding prolonged sitting, squatting, cross-legged positions, or heavy lifting.
- Control body weight to prevent excessive weight gain.
- Regular exercise to strengthen the muscles around the affected joints is important. During the period of discomfort, it is advisable to avoid sports that involve jumping, such as running or playing tennis. Recommended exercises during this time include swimming and walking.
It can be seen that the prevention of various aging-related diseases has similar characteristics, such as consuming nutritious food, exercising, avoiding alcohol consumption, not smoking, maintaining appropriate body weight, and most importantly, undergoing regular health check-ups every year.
