5 Common Senior Health Concerns

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Common Elderly Health Issues

Advancing age is a risk factor for a number of conditions that can leave a senior dependent on others to carry out daily tasks. If you have an aging parent or loved one who is entering his or her golden years, the trusted Philadelphia home care agency, Home Care Assistance, encourages you to learn more about the five common senior health concerns that could be impacting their lifestyle.

1. Arthritis

– There are two major types of arthritis that affect seniors and older adults. The first, Osteoarthritis is caused by inflammation in the joints that causes the cartilage between the joints to breakdown. The second, rheumatoid arthritis, is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and the breakdown of joints. It can cause pain and inflammation in the joints as well as reduced mobility.

2. Heart Disease

– There are various conditions that fall under the general term of heart disease. Coronary Artery Disease, or CAD, occurs when a build up of plaque in the coronary arteries which leads to blockages. This causes the once elastic veins to become stiff and rigid rendering them unable to pass necessary blood and oxygen through the body. CAD can eventually result in a heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI), blocking blood to flow into the heart and causing the heart muscle to die. Congestive Heart Failure, or CHF, is caused when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the rest of the body. It results in fluid leaking from the arteries, which causes swelling, weakness, and shortness of breath.

3. Cancer

– Cancer is caused by mutated cells within the body. Oftentimes, these cells have been present in the body for years, but do not affect the body until the mutation process has occurred many times over. This is why cancer is prevalent in seniors. The cells have had enough time over the course of the patient’s life to mutate enough to be discovered.

4. Respiratory Issues

– Respiratory issues such as emphysema and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are more common because of the changes to the body with age. As a person grows older, their bones thin and change shape which can result in less room for the lungs to expand. Furthermore, the weakening of muscles such as the diaphragm makes it more difficult for seniors take adequate breaths.

5. Alzheimer’s Disease

– Alzheimer’s is progressive condition, causing cognitive impairments that increase over time. It is not uncommon for a person to overlook warning signs, which ultimately leads to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease over the age of 65. Age is also one of the leading risk factors of cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s. If you have an aging parent or loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s disease, click here to learn more about reliable and compassionate in-home Alzheimer’s care in Philadelphia.

Want to find out how you can better assist your loved one has he or she ages? Call 215-645-4663 and schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation with a friendly Care Manager from Home Care Assistance of Philadelphia. We are recognized as the Philadelphia live-in care experts, but also provide hourly care on an as-needed basis. Reach out to us and provide your loved one with the care they need and deserves.

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