Chronic Illnesses

Heart Disease: The most commonly reported cause of death; characterized by ailments such as angina and heart failure.

Diabetes: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is higher; it is important to control blood sugar levels.

Hypertension: Hypertension can result in other complications like heart disease and stroke.

Arthritis and Joint Problems

Osteoarthritis: It affects quite frequently the knees, hips, and fingers.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: A connective tissue disorder with joint inflammation and destruction.

Osteoporosis

• Bone Mass Reduction: Raises the chances of bone fracture, especially at hip, spine, and wrist sites.
• Inadequate Calcium & Vitamin D Levels: Essential for strong bones.

Cognitive Impairment

Dementia: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other cognitive dysfunctions are included in this category.

Forgetfulness: Although memory loss is a normal part of aging, significant changes should be examined by a medical professional.

Mental Disorders

Depression: It may come about due to numerous factors such as seclusion, bereavement or health problems, among others.

Anxiety disorders – This mental health issue often accompanies physical illness; it can also be caused by side effects from medicines taken for other conditions.”/

Sensory Losses

Eye Sight Problems: Cataracts, Glaucoma etc., age-related macular degeneration.

Deafness: Prevalent in elderly people, which affects hearing capability and quality of life too.

Mobility Difficulties And Balance Challenges

• Fall Risks- More when muscles weaken because of diseases such arthritis or when one has balance difficulties due to poor coordination.
• Sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss, impacts mobility; the loss of said muscular tissue.

Respiratory Diseases

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Pneumonia: Increased risk due to weakened immune system.

Digestives Issues

Constipation: This is usually caused by medications’ side effects that slow down digestion as well as reduced physical activity.

Gastroesophageal : Reflux Disease (GERD): More prevalent with aging.

Urinary & Renal Issues

Incontinence: This could be due to weak bladder muscles, prostate problems or other underlying medical conditions.

Chronic Kidney Disease: Frequently associated with diabetes and hypertension.

Cancer

Increased Risk: Some cancers like colorectal cancer are more common in older adults in contrast to others such as breast and prostate cancer which affect them less often than other people who have reached this stage of life.

Immunity and Infections

• Weakened Immune System: Ageing makes a person’s immune system weaker hence making him/her prone to diseases like flu and shingles….
• Vaccinations for Older Adults Importance of being up-to-date on vaccines (flu, pneumonia, shingles).

Nutrition & Weight Management

Malnutrition: Can result from lack of appetite or eating difficulties e.g. dysphagia; needing special nutrition intervention e.g. enteral or parenteral feeding; metabolic changes including hypermetabolism; malabsorption syndromes such as celiac disease which can lead to malnutrition if not treated soon enough; poor oral health leading to inability chew food properly because it has been damaged by tooth decay etc.; gastrointestinal surgery where some parts of the stomach may need removal thus reducing absorption capacities- all these factors together contribute greatly into developing malnutrition among individuals regardless their age group they belong too.

Obesity: For better overall health management weight requires a combination of proper diet and exercise.

Oral Health

Gum Disease: It is prevalent in elderly people; it affects the entire body.

Tooth Loss: The impact on nutrition and quality of life.