Notes

10 Most Common Chronic Diseases in Older Adults
Around 11% of older adults suffer from chronic lower respiratory diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which can cause difficulty with breathing, coughing and chest tightness. Prevention strategies include refraining from smoking as well as minimizing exposure to dust, chemical odours and second hand smoke.

As it has long been observed, older individuals are more prone to age related chronic disease than their younger counterparts; this phenomenon is known as multimorbidity.
1. Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition characterized by joint pain, inflammation and damage that affects multiple joints in one or more bodies. Treatment aims to manage pain while minimising joint damage.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the two primary forms of arthritis. Wear-and-tear caused by natural wear-and-tear degradation leads to osteoarthritis (OA), while RA is an autoimmune condition which attacks your joints directly. Lupus, dermatomyositis and mixed connective tissue disease may also contribute to arthritis symptoms; medications used to treat it include analgesics which reduce pain without impacting inflammation; as well as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). DMARDs stop your immune system from attacking your joints directly.
2. High Cholesterol

Your liver produces cholesterol to aid in digesting food and producing hormones, but too much of it can build up into plaque build-up on arterial highways that supply oxygen and blood to organs throughout your body.

Atherosclerosis (pronounced at-uh-roh-skluh-roh-sis) is the process by which heart disease develops; it involves reduced or blocked flow to your heart, leading to chest discomfort and lack of oxygen in your system.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) helps remove bad cholesterol from your blood, with optimal HDL levels being at or below 40 mg/dL.
3. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

CKD (chronic kidney disease) is a progressive kidney condition in which your kidneys gradually lose the ability to perform normally, often due to diabetes or high blood pressure.

Normal age-related changes such as muscle atrophy (sarcopenia) may also contribute to falls and reduced mobility; often this goes undetected by healthcare providers.

CKD can be diagnosed via blood and urine tests. There are treatments available to slow its progress, potentially postponing dialysis or transplants as necessary.
4. Heart Disease

Heart disease occurs when blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the heart become restricted or blocked with fatty deposits, an illness known as atherosclerosis which may result in heart attacks or strokes.

Age-related changes may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, including:
5. High Blood Pressure

Complex chronic diseases can be challenging for older adults and can increase the risk of falls, limited mobility and disability (AIHW 2020c). To best manage this situation, stay in communication with your physician and undergo regular screenings; follow his or her advice when appropriate and follow regular screening schedules for screening purposes.

High blood pressure occurs when your heart beats against the walls of your arteries with too much force, or "hypertension". Over time, this condition can damage arteries and increase your risk of serious health conditions like stroke and heart attack.
6. Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells form uncontrollably and invade surrounding tissues, crowding out healthy cells and eventually killing them off. Cancers that spread beyond their initial location are called metastases.

COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis) is one of the most prevalent respiratory conditions among older adults, often leading to coughing, breathlessness and dry coughing; making exercise and sleeping harder than before. Preventing COPD by not smoking, receiving flu/pneumonia vaccines annually and staying physically active are all ways that this condition may be avoided.
7. Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive form of dementia affecting memory, thinking and behavior. It occurs when specific proteins accumulate and form deposits on neurons over time causing permanent damage to them and disrupting normal brain functioning.

Some genetic variations increase one's chances of Alzheimer's. They may show symptoms in their 30s or 40s; although early-onset Alzheimer's is rare.

If you experience memory problems or have concerns that worsen over time, it's essential that you visit a physician immediately. They can assess your risk and refer you to specialists if necessary.
8. Respiratory Disorders

COPD, comprising of both emphysema and chronic bronchitis, affects 11% of older adults. People living with COPD often have shortness of breath and cough frequently; additionally they cough up mucus from their lungs (sputum).

medical alarm device COPD often develops slowly over time and goes undetected until symptoms manifest themselves severely, often later than middle age.


Other respiratory conditions include asthma and occupational lung diseases. Pneumonia is also a serious lung illness more likely to strike frail adults; therefore, pneumococcal vaccination should be strongly considered among people aged 65 years or over.
9. Diabetes

Diabetes is a long-term, progressive condition most often seen during middle age; however, it can affect any individual at any time. Diabetes results from elevated blood sugar levels that can be triggered by pancreatic damage, certain genetic mutations (MODY and LADA), pregnancy or damage to other parts of the body.

Older adults tend to be more susceptible to dementia due to natural aging processes. Engaging in regular physical exercise, staying hydrated and eating a healthful diet are all ways of combatting dementia; however, having access to an effective healthcare team is also essential in managing such conditions.
10. Depression

Depression is an insidious mental condition that cannot simply be considered part of getting older. It may cause feelings of sadness, pessimism and loss of interest in activities along with altered sleep patterns and an altered appetite.

Depression is known to lead to numerous health issues in older adults, including physical pain, insomnia and weight loss. In some instances, cognitive impairment or dementia may also arise as a result. Elderly individuals suffering from depression should seek professional medical assistance by consulting a geriatric medicine expert; medications and therapies may be administered along with physical activities and enough sleep.

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