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10 Most Common Chronic Diseases in Older Adults
80% of Americans over the age of 65 have at least one chronic health condition. This is often due to genetics, lifestyle, and diet.

High blood pressure, aka hypertension, increases with age. It can damage the blood vessels and lead to serious conditions such as heart disease.

Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are common in seniors. Symptoms include memory loss and difficulty thinking.
1. High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood against blood vessel walls. High blood pressure can damage arteries over time, increasing the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease and stroke.

Common factors that can increase your risk for hypertension include age; family history; being a man or woman; salt intake (higher with aging); and obesity and physical inactivity. Getting regular screenings can help detect high blood pressure.
2. Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation (swelling) and irritation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. The irritation causes thick mucus to build up, which restricts airflow and leads to a persistent cough.

The disease is a type of COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, and often occurs with emphysema. There are medications that can help. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs can improve breathing and reduce symptoms.
3. Diabetes

Diabetes has serious consequences for people over 60, particularly if it is undiagnosed or poorly controlled. Untreated diabetes can lead to kidney infections (pneumonia), diabetic foot ulcers and amputations, and damage to the nerves that cause tingling, numbness and pain (diabetic neuropathy).

It's important for seniors to regularly check their blood sugar levels. They should also follow a diet that's low in salt and alcohol.
4. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis makes bones thinner and weaker, increasing the risk of a broken bone. This disease can cause back or neck pain, especially from a sneeze or cough. It can also lead to a stooped or dowager's posture.

Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis due to the rapid decline in estrogen during menopause. But men can also get the condition. People with certain rheumatologic disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also experience it.
5. Shingles

Shingles (also called herpes zoster) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This same virus causes chickenpox, and it can lay dormant for decades in the neurons of your spinal cord before reactivating.

The first symptom is pain, tingling or burning before the blistering rash appears. It usually takes the shape of a band around one side of your torso. Your doctor may recommend a vaccine to reduce your risk.
6. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Our kidneys help filter waste, toxins and extra water from our blood. They also help regulate our blood pressure, bone health and red blood cell production.

personal alarms for elderly CKD is a gradual decrease in kidney function over time. It can lead to high blood pressure and fluid retention. Eventually, it can develop to a stage where the kidneys stop working - this is called renal failure.
7. Arthritis

Arthritis is any disease that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in joints-the places where 2 or more bones meet. There are over 100 types of arthritis diseases.

These include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica. The treatments for these diseases are drugs that slow an overactive immune system. These include traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biological therapies.
8. High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is found in our blood and is carried around the body with proteins. When we have too much, it can build up and clog our arteries. It can also increase your risk for heart disease and other serious conditions.

High cholesterol is a condition that can be prevented by eating well and getting regular exercise. It can also be controlled with medication.
9. High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar happens when insulin can’t move glucose into cells. Over time, it can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and gums.

Someone with high blood sugar may feel very thirsty or have to pee a lot, and lose weight even though their appetite stays the same. It can also cause fatigue, lightheadedness, and confusion. If left untreated, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
10. Heart Disease

Heart disease includes a wide variety of problems that affect the heart and blood vessels. The most common cause is a buildup of plaque in the arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart and lungs.


Symptoms can include chest pain, indigestion and fatigue. It can also lead to heart failure and a stroke. Medications can help treat heart disease. Your doctor can recommend healthy lifestyle changes to prevent it.

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