Here are the top 10 most common chronic conditions in older adults ¹ ² ³:
– High Blood Pressure: A condition that damages blood vessels and increases the risk of serious conditions like stroke and heart attack.
– High Cholesterol: A condition where the body has too many bad fats, which clog arteries and cause heart disease.
– Arthritis: A joint disease that causes swelling and inflammation, leading to pain and stiffness.
– Coronary Heart Disease: A condition caused by plaque buildup in the arteries leading to the heart, decreasing the amount of blood going to the heart.
– Diabetes: A condition where the body doesn’t make enough insulin, causing high blood sugar levels.
– Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A condition that causes a slow decline in kidney function, increasing the risk of heart disease or kidney failure.
– Heart Failure: A condition where the heart becomes weakened and can’t pump as efficiently, causing fatigue, light-headedness, nausea, confusion, or decreased appetite.
– Depression: A treatable medical condition that causes persistent feelings of sadness, emotional numbness, anxiety, sleep problems, concentration and memory problems, changes in appetite or weight, a loss of interest in activities, and more.
– Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Conditions that cause memory loss and difficulty thinking or problem-solving, interfering with everyday life.
– Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, making it hard to breathe and causing shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness.These chronic conditions can be prevented or managed by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and seeking medical attention when necessary.