Introduction
When you’re an older adult, you have a higher risk for certain health issues than younger people do. But don’t worry! You can work with your doctor and caregivers to prevent or treat these issues so that they don’t become serious problems. Here are some common health issues that affect older adults:
1. Temporary Hearing Loss
Temporary hearing loss is a common health issue in older adults. It can be caused by earwax buildup or other factors that cause the eardrum to become thick and hard. This can lead to the blockage of sound waves entering your inner ear, which then causes temporary hearing loss.
Temporary hearing loss is usually treated with a simple procedure called syringing (or irrigation), where the liquid is injected into the ear canal to wash away any build-up of wax or other debris that’s causing the problem. If you have trouble hearing after these treatments, it may be helpful for you to wear hearing aids until your symptoms improve on their own.
If you think you might have not heard sounds, contact your doctor to check glue ear in adults treatment. You’ll need to have your hearing tested with an audiogram before treatment begins so that your doctor can determine.
2. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, and it’s caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes. This overuse injury typically affects runners and people who do a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces.
Symptoms include:
- Pain in the bottom of your foot when you get out of bed in the morning or after sitting for long periods (it may be worse if you’re overweight)
- Sharp shooting pain during exercise or other activities that involve weight bearing on your feet (like walking up stairs)
Treatment of plantar fasciitis like this plantar fasciitis treatment in Sydney involves a combination of rest, ice, and medications. Rest is critical because it allows the inflammation to subside, but the patient must avoid running or other strenuous exercises until the pain has gone away for at least one month.
3. Bone Fracture
Bone fractures are common among older adults. It’s estimated that 80% of people over the age of 65 will experience at least one bone fracture during their lifetime.
There are types of fracture that can be the result of a fall or other injury, but they can also happen when you exercise or put too much pressure on your bones
It’s especially important to avoid this type of fracture in older adults because they may not heal as quickly as they did when they were younger.
A bone fracture is a break in the bone. It can be caused by an accident, or by osteoporosis (a disease that weakens bones). It’s important to treat the fracture properly to prevent complications such as infection and pain. If you have a broken bone, get medical attention or use a cast cover like this cast covers in Australia as soon as possible so that your doctor can diagnose it and treat it properly.
4. Arthritis
Millions of people are affected by the prevalent health problem of arthritis. It’s caused by swelling and inflammation in the joints, which can make it difficult to move around. There are different types of arthritis, but they all have similar symptoms: pain that gets worse with activity, stiffness or swelling in the joints, and difficulty moving or bending your arms or legs.
Some causes of arthritis include age (the older you get, the more likely you are to develop this condition), genetics (if family members have had rheumatoid arthritis), and injuries from repeated physical activity (like running). Treatments include over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen; prescription medications like steroids; weight loss if overweight; physical therapy exercises for strengthening muscles around your joints; acupuncture treatments for reducing inflammation inside them
5. Falls & Fractures
Falls are a common cause of fractures in older adults. A fall can result from tripping, losing your balance, or stepping on something that causes you to lose your footing. Falls can also be caused by poor vision and hearing loss, which may make it difficult for you to see where you’re going or hear someone calling out if they need help.
Fractures are breaks in bone tissue that occur when the force applied exceeds the strength of the bone. Fractures can result from falls or other injuries such as car accidents or sports injuries (e.g., broken collarbones). The most common fracture sites include wrists, hips, and ankles due to their location on weight-bearing joints where there is less protection from muscle mass compared with other parts of our bodies like arms & legs.
6. Cancer
Cancer is a serious health condition that can affect any part of the body. It’s not contagious, but it can be cured or treated if caught early enough.
Cancer isn’t just one disease, it’s a group of diseases that share some common characteristics: uncontrolled cell growth, invasion into surrounding tissues, and spread to other parts of the body via blood and lymphatic vessels (which carry white blood cells). Cancerous tumours may be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
7. Cardiovascular Disease
In the US, cardiovascular illness is one of the main causes of death. It’s also known as coronary artery disease, and it occurs when plaque builds up in your arteries (the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart). The buildup can block blood flow to your heart or brain, causing chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, dizziness, and fainting spells–even death.
If you have cardiovascular issues, you may need medication as well as lifestyle changes such as losing weight and getting regular exercise. It’s important to see your doctor regularly so they can monitor your condition closely and check for any signs that the treatment isn’t working anymore.
8. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Breathing becomes difficult as a result of the degenerative condition known as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can be caused by smoking, air pollution, and other factors. COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
COPD can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or reducing exposure to harmful substances in the air you breathe.
9. Respiratory Infections and Pneumonia
Respiratory infections are a common health issue for adults over 65. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi that enter the body through breathing. Respiratory infections can develop into pneumonia if they aren’t treated properly.
To prevent respiratory infections:
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom or touching animals or animal waste products (e.g., cat litter).
- Avoid close contact with people who have respiratory illnesses such as colds or flu because these illnesses spread easily from person to person through coughing or sneezing without proper hand hygiene before touching surfaces that may come in contact with others such as doorknobs or table tops where food is served during an event like Thanksgiving dinner where everyone gathers around one big table!
Conclusion
As we age, our bodies change. Some of these changes are natural and normal, while others can be a sign of an underlying health issue. It’s important to keep track of your body’s changes as you age so that you can spot any issues early and seek treatment before they become more serious.