The world is aging very fast, with such harsh impacts on our health. By 2030, 1 out of 6 people will be over 60 years old, but by 2050, the world’s population over 60 years will double. Such change is accompanied by its own challenges and dimensions of development and improvement. But with age, the natural change comes, and our body undergoes those changes that will result in several different complications. So, the majority of people undergo a variety of medical complications, such as chronic diseases, degenerative disorders, and age-related disorders, which impair their quality of life.
There are many ways to alleviate this with exercise, proper nutrition, getting plenty of sleep, etc., but many humans eventually start to notice problems with their bodies: bones, muscles, joints, it’s all fair game for Father Time. Thankfully, the 21st century and its many medical advancements have helped cure and alleviate many ailments. In this article, we will elucidate some prevailing medical conditions occurring with advancing age, their symptoms and etiology, but most importantly the medical practices and lifestyle modifications that could be employed to manage them.
1. Sore Knees
Our knees take punishment every single day. Whether it’s walking, bending down, sitting at a desk, driving our car, or just being under the effects of gravity, our knees will start to wear down over time.
Causes
The cartilage in our joints (a strong and smooth protective tissue) deteriorates over time. This normal wear and tear cannot be entirely prevented, but knowing the reasons can assist us in taking preventive steps.
Current Solutions
Here are some solutions to this medical problem.
Medical Treatments
Fortunately, a few medical options have been made available.
- Cortisone injections or Steroid shots: These injections can alleviate inflammation and swelling. But getting regularly scheduled injections can help alleviate this pain.
- Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cell therapies are a new treatment. Taking your body’s own stem cells and injecting them into your body, the stem cells can transform and replace your damaged cells in a successful usage.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to therapy, lifestyle changes also manage knee pain. These include:
- Regular Exercise: It can reduce pain and enhance mobility by strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee region.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can assist you in developing a personalized exercise regimen to alleviate knee pain and function.
- Diet and Nutrition: A Regular diet and normal weight can reduce the load on the knees.
2. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (E.D.) is a common issue that affects around 25% of men. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, and many effective treatments are available.
Causes
Erectile dysfunction (E.D.) may be caused by a mix of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. These are age, medical illnesses such as diabetes and coronary heart disease, some medication, lifestyle habits such as smoking and overweight or obesity, and psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Current Solutions
Following are some current solutions to this problem.
Medical Treatments
However, many new medical treatments — some not even needing a doctor’s visit — are available.
- Medications: Common E.D. medications such as Viagra and Cialis have competition with similar and more affordable products such as Blue Chew and other mailable products.
- Shockwave therapy: New treatments such as shockwave therapy can help stimulate blood flow, alleviating this condition. If you would like more information about shockwave therapies for counteracting erectile dysfunction, contact medical professionals for assistance.
Lifestyle Changes
- Exercise: Regular exercise has been shown to improve cardiovascular function and reduce ED symptoms.
- Stress reduction: ED can be brought about by excessive stress; employing stress-reducing methods like yoga or meditation could help.
- Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for overall health, including erectile function.
Also Read: Water Sounds for Sleep
3. Fading Memory
Another common problem that most of us will face is some form of memory loss or cognitive decline. It’s a worrying prospect in a field where still more information needs to be learned.
Causes
Fade memory can be triggered by old age, insufficient sleep, tension, worry, depression, dietary deficiencies, certain drugs, brain injury, and neurodegenerative illness. Lifestyle components such as physical inactivity, solitude, and intellectual idleness also lead to memory loss.
Current Solutions
Some solutions for this problem include:
Medical Treatments
- Medications: Some medications such as memantine (Namenda) may slow down cognitive impairment and enhance memory.
- Cognitive training: Programs like brain games (puzzles, crosswords, board games) and cognitive therapy can help improve memory and cognitive function.
Lifestyle Changes
Some things can be done to keep the memory loss at bay for longer.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia.
- Social Activity: Being socially engaged and active can contribute to cognitive reserve and prevent cognitive decline.
- Sleep and relaxation: Getting enough sleep and practicing stress-reducing techniques are great ways to combat this: the healthier the body is, the better it can fight deterioration. Also, some studies show that learning a musical instrument or another language can be surprisingly effective against memory loss and cognitive decline.
4. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease of brittle and porous bones, which can increase the risk of fractures.
Causes
Osteoporosis is often caused by multiple factors such as hormonal changes, calcium and vitamin D deficiency, and physical inactivity. Age, genetics, and certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis, can further increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Current Solutions
Here are some current solutions:
Medical Treatments
- Medications: Bisphosphonates and other medications can help retard bone loss and increase bone density.
- Hormone therapy: Bone density can increase due to hormone replacement therapy, particularly in postmenopausal women.
Lifestyle Changes
- Exercise: Regular exercise, especially weight-bearing and resistance exercises, can help improve bone density.
- Diet and nutrition: A properly planned diet along with calcium and vitamin D helps improve bone health.
5. Vision Loss
Vision loss is a common condition in older persons. It impacts daily functioning severely, making simple activities challenging, and negatively impacting quality of life. Vision loss is increasingly becoming an international health concern with aging.
Causes
Vision loss typically occurs due to age-related changes, eye disease, and injury. The most common causes are cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Smoking, excessive exposure to UV radiation, and neglecting the eyes’ condition are some habits that cause loss of vision.
Current Solutions
Below are some current solutions:
Medical Treatments
- Glasses or contacts: Vision can be improved and eye strain alleviated by eyewear.
- Surgery: Cataract surgery is one of the operations that restores vision and improves the eye’s health.
Lifestyle Changes
- Routine eye Checkup: Routine eye examinations can identify early vision complications when it will be easy to heal them.
- Eye-friendly habits: Quitting smoking, eating normally, and protecting the eyes against sunlight may be beneficial to prevent blindness.
Conclusion
Aging can come with health issues, but through modern cures and a lifestyle change, the majority of ailments can be dealt with. By knowing the causes and symptoms, individuals can take precautionary steps to ensure physical and mental health. Through self-confidence and a balanced lifestyle, senior citizens can empower themselves to lead a healthier life with their full potential.
