4 Risks to Your Health as You Get Older
As you get older, there are certain risks to your health that you need to be aware of when you are going about your daily routine. As well as there being a new set of health risks for the elderly, some of the health risks that you have encountered throughout your life become more dangerous to you as you get older. Then, here is a selection of risks to your health that you should be aware of as you age.
1. Cataracts
As you get older, your vision may decline and you may start to develop cataracts, with 9 out of 10 older people in the United States getting cataracts at some stage. Cataracts and vision loss can put your health at risk as they increase your chance of falling or tripping when you are out and about or within your own home. This can then cause broken bones and even concussion. Then, to make sure that you can have clear vision throughout your life, you should consider finding surgeries that offer cataract surgery near me.
2. Obesity
Over 37% of men and 38% of women over 60 are obese within the United States. This can lead to numerous health issues, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, and these could eventually shorten your life. Then, you think you may be obese, you should see a nutritionist, consider exercising regularly, and see whether medication might be the right option for you.
3. Mental Health Issues
If you have mental health issues as you get older, such as depression and anxiety, it can be difficult to control and manage physical health issues, such as heart disease, and can lead to them becoming worse at a much quicker rate. Not only this, but insomnia and stress can lead to numerous physical health difficulties, such as back pain and high blood pressure. Then, if you are struggling with your mental health, you should make sure that you seek the aid of a professional, who may be able to prescribe you medication or counselling.
4. Dementia
Dementia, Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline can lead to physical health issues. For instance, people with dementia may lose their ability to swallow, which can prevent them from eating and drinking and can lead to them choking. Not only this, but people with dementia may find that they have jerky movements and struggle to walk, which can lead to an increased risk of falls. They may also struggle to sleep, which can have numerous physical health effects. Then, it is important to prevent cognitive decline by keeping the brain active, such as doing puzzles, and ensuring that you are not isolated.
To prevent your health from worsening as you get older, it is important to be aware of the risks and what you can do to stop them. This will then enable you to live a long and full life in retirement without being plagued by numerous health concerns.
