Functional Medicine & Wellness

Getting older, wiser, and more health conscious

As people age, they become more susceptible to various health issues as a result of natural changes that occur in the body over time. However, many of these conditions can be managed or even prevented through lifestyle choices and early interventions. 

Did you know? The estimated life expectancy at birth in 2024 for females in the United States is 83.1 years compared to 78.7 years for males. 

Source: The World Factbook

At Omnia Health, we care for patients from young adults to the elderly – each with their unique set of concerns and needs. That being said, there are health issues that tend to be more likely later in life. We would like to share with you what these are, along with preventive measures to help avoid or reduce their impact:

1. Cardiovascular Diseases 

Common issues include high blood pressure (hypertension), heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Here are some preventive measures you can take:

Healthy Diet: Focus on nutrition that incorporates plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like those from nuts and fish. Limit salt, saturated fats, and processed foods.

Regular Exercise: Engage in moderate physical activity (like walking, swimming, or cycling) for at least 150 minutes a week to keep the heart and blood vessels healthy.

Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: These habits significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Regular Screenings: Consistently monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels.

2. Diabetes

Common issues include Type 2 diabetes, characterized by high blood sugar levels, which can lead to complications such as kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve damage. Some preventive measures to consider include:

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes, so making fitness a priority with the proper nutrition and exercise is key. Additionally, being physically active helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity.

Balanced Diet: Limit sugar and refined carbohydrates while opting for whole grains, fiber-rich foods, and lean proteins.

Regular Blood Sugar Testing: This is extremely important for those at higher risk due to family history or other factors.

3. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis often leads to weakened bones and a higher risk of fractures, especially in older women. According to The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, Of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, about eight million or 80% are women. Approximately one in two women over age 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis. The following preventive measures are important to note:

Calcium and Vitamin D: Ensure adequate intake of calcium (from dairy or leafy greens) and vitamin D (from sunlight or supplements) to support bone health.

Weight-Bearing Exercises: Activities like walking, jogging, or resistance training strengthen bones and help prevent osteoporosis.

Bone Density Screenings: Women, especially after menopause, should undergo regular bone density tests to detect early signs of osteoporosis.

4. Arthritis

Osteoarthritis (wear and tear of joints) and rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune joint inflammation) are common causes of joint pain and stiffness in older adults. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts added strain on joints, especially the knees and hips. Find ways to incorporate low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, and yoga into your routine as they help keep joints flexible.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, and antioxidants from fruits and vegetables may help reduce inflammation.

Early Treatment: Seek medical advice at the first sign of joint pain to manage symptoms before they worsen.

5. Cognitive Decline 

Memory loss, confusion, and cognitive decline are common issues as people age, with conditions like Alzheimer’s affecting many older adults. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, around twice as many women have Alzheimer’s disease compared to men. It’s worthwhile to consider the following preventive measures:

Mental Stimulation: Keep the brain active through puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or engaging in social activities. Keeping your body active is also important as regular exercise boosts brain health and helps maintain cognitive function.

Heart-Healthy Diet: A diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in the Mediterranean diet, supports brain function.

Control Risk Factors: Manage high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes — all conditions that increase the risk of cognitive decline.

6. Cancer

The risk of cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer increases with age, which is why it’s imperative to take the following preventive measures:

Avoid Smoking: Smoking is a leading cause of many cancers, particularly lung cancer. Additionally, you should limit alcohol consumption, which is also linked to several types of cancers.

Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and low in processed and red meats, helps reduce cancer risk.

Regular Screenings: Early detection through mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate exams, and skin checks significantly improves survival rates.

7. Vision and Hearing Loss

Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration can impair vision. It is also common for older adults to suffer hearing loss. Here are some preventive measures worth taking:

Eye and Ear Protection: Protect your eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses and use ear protection in loud environments.

Regular Screenings: Get regular eye exams and hearing tests to catch early signs of any to ensure the proper treatment is implemented. 

Healthy Diet: Antioxidants found in leafy greens and fish can protect vision and hearing as you age.

8. Depression and Mental Health Issues

Social isolation, loss of loved ones, and physical decline can contribute to depression and anxiety in older adults. Consider the following preventive measures:

Stay Socially Active: Maintaining strong relationships, community engagement, and family interactions can reduce feelings of loneliness.

Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is a powerful mood booster that produces natural serotonin that helps combat depression.

Seek Professional Help: Therapy or counseling allows you to address mental health issues before they become severe.

9. Respiratory Diseases

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are common health issues faced by smokers or those exposed to environmental pollutants. It would be wise to follow these preventive measures:

Avoid Smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which is a common and treatable lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe. Quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk of respiratory issues.

Exercise: Participating in regular physical activity improves and strengthens lung function which directly impacts your overall respiratory health.

Avoid Environmental Pollutants: When possible, minimize exposure to air pollution, dust, and chemicals that can harm your lungs. 

10. Urinary Issues

Incontinence, or loss of bladder control, is common in older adults – particularly women. According to the National Association for Continence, of the 25 million adult Americans suffering from some form of urinary incontinence, 75-80% of those are women. Urinary Incontinence affects 200 million people worldwide. One in four women over the age of 18 experience episodes of leaking urine involuntarily.Thankfully, these preventive measures can prove effective:

Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening pelvic muscles with exercises like Kegels can reduce the risk of incontinence.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts added pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor, increasing the risk of incontinence.

Early Intervention: Seek medical advice if incontinence begins to get insight as to what treatments are available.

The Takeaway

Being aware of the possible health issues you can face as you age will help you to be proactive about effectively avoiding them. Never underestimate the power of making changes to your lifestyle. Even the seemingly small healthy choices can have a large and lasting impact on your quality of life. The functional medicine experts at Omnia Health are here to help you pave a path toward achieving your short- and long-term health goals. 

Take the first step in the right direction and contact us.

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