10 Most Common Chronic Diseases in Older Adults

The leading causes of death and disability in older adults are chronic diseases. These conditions can cause a great deal of pain and suffering and also contribute to high health care costs.

fall alarms for seniors A trusted care team can help you manage your chronic disease better and improve your quality of life. Read on to learn more about the 10 most common chronic diseases in older adults.

1. Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is an irritation and inflammation (swelling) of the airways in your lungs, called bronchial tubes. This causes mucus to build up and makes it hard to breathe.

Most people with chronic bronchitis also have emphysema, which is another type of lung disease. This combination is sometimes called COPD.

To help prevent bronchitis, it's important to avoid smoking and other lung irritants. You should also get an annual flu and pneumonia vaccine. You can also protect yourself against shingles by getting the shingles vaccine. If you're already diagnosed with these diseases, follow your doctor's treatment plan.

2. Diabetes

Having diabetes greatly increases your risk for heart disease. It can damage the tiny blood vessels that supply your legs and feet (diabetic neuropathy), causing tingling, burning or pain that often starts in the toes or fingers and moves up the body. It can also cause problems with your digestive system and make it hard for you to have an erection.

Your bladder may not be sterile when you are older, which can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs increase with age and with the use of catheters.

3. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that makes bones weaker. Bone loss happens faster in older adults, and the bones break more easily. This can cause a sudden and painful fracture, especially in the hips, wrists and spine.

In healthy bones, the inside looks like a honeycomb with small spaces, and an outer shell of dense bone covers it. With osteoporosis, the spaces grow larger and the outer layer gets thinner. Women and men are at risk, but women after age 65 have a higher chance of developing the disease.

4. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, happens when your heart pumps blood through arteries with too much force. This causes damage to the artery walls and can lead to blockages which can cause stroke, kidney disease, heart attack and other health problems.

There are two main types of hypertension. One, called essential hypertension, has no known cause and develops gradually over many years. Another, caused by plaque buildup in the arteries, usually develops during middle age or earlier and can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications.

5. Heart Disease





Heart disease occurs when a build-up of plaque narrows or blocks the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This can lead to complications like blood clots and heart attacks.

The term “heart disease” refers to many different conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Some of these include coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, and congenital heart disease. These disorders can cause chest pain or discomfort, fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness. They are often preventable through healthy lifestyle habits. They may also be treated with medication.

6. Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis is usually a result of normal wear and tear on joints. It can also occur due to other factors such as obesity, joint injury or a family history of arthritis.

Symptoms include pain and stiffness. Affected joints may click, crackle or grind (crepitus). The pain is often worse when a joint is used. It decreases when a joint is at rest.

There is no cure for OA, but medications can help relieve pain. Acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are typically recommended.

7. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

CKD is the gradual loss of kidney function over time. It may be the result of a number of conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure.

It can also be an autoimmune disease such as lupus nephritis or systemic sclerosis. The condition often goes undiagnosed until it is too late.

People with multiple chronic diseases are more likely to experience problems in daily activities than those without any chronic illnesses. A multidisciplinary team should include a nephrologist to direct treatment. Medications are prescribed to control symptoms and reduce the progression of the disease.

8. High Cholesterol

Having too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to blockages in arteries, which increases the risk of heart disease. A low-fat diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables has been shown to lower levels of circulating cholesterol. People with familial hypercholesterolaemia can be helped by treatment with statins.

Age and family genetics make it almost impossible for seniors not to have a chronic illness or condition. Luckily, they can maximize health and independence by managing their conditions. Learn more about how to do this. And if you haven’t already, consider getting a medical alert system.

9. Hypertension

A condition in which the force of blood flowing against artery walls is consistently too high. It is usually a silent disease and people may not notice any symptoms.

If left untreated, hypertension can lead to stroke or kidney disease. It can also cause a condition known as preeclampsia during pregnancy, which increases the risk of death for the mother and low birth weight in the baby. It is a common cause of cardiovascular disease and can affect people from all backgrounds. However, it is more common in older adults due to aging and lifestyle.

10. Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes widespread muscle pain and tenderness. It's not an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus (commonly known as lupus).

The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it may run in families. People with the condition usually develop symptoms in middle age or later. Symptoms include chronic pain throughout the body, fatigue, and sleep problems. Non-pharmacological treatments, such as exercise, acupuncture and yoga, and stress management can ease symptoms. Doctors can also prescribe drugs to manage the pain and other symptoms.