20 Common Elderly Health Issues – Advice from Our Skilled Nursing Care Team
While overall life expectancy has increased thanks to advances in healthcare, our lifestyle and genetics play an important role in how our body ages. Being aware of common senior health issues and taking the right precautions can help you live a healthier life. Mortality rates for 2012 released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that life expectancy at age 65 was 19.3 years. Much of the improvement in life expectancy over the previous years is attributed to reductions in death rates from major causes such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and chronic lower respiratory diseases.
The skilled nursing care team at The Holiday Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Manville, Rhode Island identifies 20 common elderly health issues to be aware of. These include:
- 1. Arthritis
- 2. Heart Disease
- 3. Cancer
- 4. Cholesterol
- 5. Respiratory Diseases
- 6. Alzheimer’s Disease
- 7. Osteoporosis
- 8. Diabetes
- 9. Influenza and Pneumonia
- 10. Injuries from Falls
- 11. Substance Abuse
- 12. Obesity
- 13. Dementia
- 14. Depression
- 15. Oral Health
- 16. Shingles
- 17. Parkinson’s Disease
- 18. Digestive Disorders
- 19. Urine and Bladder Problems
- 20. Sleep Disorders
While this list of conditions can seem daunting, with the right care and support, seniors can enjoy quality of life, even if they are in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
How to Prevent Senior Health Issues
Healthcare practitioners firmly believe that quality of life in your senior years is dependent on the care you take of yourself during middle age. The experienced caregivers at our skilled nursing facility share 3 tips to help seniors maintain health and well-being in their golden years.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and bone density issues. Eating wisely and being physically active can help you preserve muscle and bone, thus contributing to a stronger and healthier body.
- Eat a nutritious diet: While you may need fewer calories, it is important to get all the essential nutrients. Our nutritionists recommend eating a ‘rainbow’ of foods. These include:
- Fruits and vegetables (choose a range of colors)
- Beans, nuts and seeds
- Whole grains such as whole-wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa, barley and oatmeal
- Seafood, lean meats, poultry and eggs
- Fat-free or low-fat dairy products fortified with Vitamin D and calcium
Also, try to reduce your intake of drinks and foods with added sugars or that are high in fat. Reduce your intake of products made from refined grains.
- Stay physically active: Exercise and physically activity are good for health at any age. In addition to improving your strength, balance, and flexibility, being active can help you maintain your independence for as long as possible. From yoga to water aerobics, jogging, cycling, golfing and walking—you can pick activities that you enjoy. Remember to start slowly and increase exercise time gradually to prevent injury.
- Get a Flu Shot to help prevent the Flu
- Seniors that are Unstable: These seniors should have a Walker & Grab Bars installed in their House or Retirement Community to help prevent falls. (bathroom specifically)
- If you have a sleeping disorder: Seniors with sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea should see a sleep medicine doctor and get a CPAP Machine if necessary.
- Stop smoking: Stopping smoking lets you breathe more easily, gives you more energy & reduces overall stress.
At The Holiday Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Manville, Rhode Island, we offer customized care plans to meet your unique needs. State-of-the-art Services including a modern 2,000 sq. ft. gym and a wide range of Activities promote healing and recovery. Each member of our team reflects our values of providing the highest quality care and brings an average of over 15 years of experience to our rehabilitation center. Our rates are among the most competitive in the industry. Whether you are looking for short-term rehabilitation or long-term care, you can trust that our dedicated professionals will look after you like family.
Give us a call at 401-765-1440 for more information about our skilled nursing facility in Manville, Rhode Island or Fill out this Online Form to Book a Tour.
Also Read: Aging and Retirement Issues