Overview
We live with the knowledge of our mortality. Below are the major health issues you or someone you know are most likely to experience as they age, a list of medications that pose a potential risk to older adults, and information on medication management and organization. The information on this site has been compiled from various sources and should be used for informational purposes only. Seek advice from a medical professional when necessary. Last update 7.5.20
We live with the knowledge of our mortality. Below are the major health issues you or someone you know are most likely to experience as they age, a list of medications that pose a potential risk to older adults, and information on medication management and organization. The information on this site has been compiled from various sources and should be used for informational purposes only. Seek advice from a medical professional when necessary. Last update 7.5.20
Lifespan Versus Health Span
Researchers express their goal to improve a person’s ability to live longer in terms of lifespan and health span. Lifespan is the length of life for an organism. The maximum number of years differs from species to species. The maximum recorded lifespan for humans, reported in 2010, was 122.5 years for females and 116 years for males. Health span are the years you live in relatively good health. However, no matter how long you live, at some point you are likely to succumb to the diseases of aging, and the number of is often more than one.
The likelihood of discovering a scientifically proven “anti-aging” elixir is probably quite slim in our lifetime. But don’t be surprised if it turns out to be a protein found in the blood called GDF11. A Harvard University research team published a paper two years ago that reported that injecting old mice with GDF11 can partially reverse age-related thickening of the heart. Another study showed that a blood protein called GDF8 kept muscles from weakening.
Regardless, until the magic anti-aging pill arrives there are more modest ways to extend your health span: stay trim and slim, eat healthy foods, exercise every day (physical and mental), reduce stress and sugar in-take, and get out and meet people (socialization). Two other factors that play a large part in determining how long you will live: family genes and your blood pressure level.
Researchers express their goal to improve a person’s ability to live longer in terms of lifespan and health span. Lifespan is the length of life for an organism. The maximum number of years differs from species to species. The maximum recorded lifespan for humans, reported in 2010, was 122.5 years for females and 116 years for males. Health span are the years you live in relatively good health. However, no matter how long you live, at some point you are likely to succumb to the diseases of aging, and the number of is often more than one.
The likelihood of discovering a scientifically proven “anti-aging” elixir is probably quite slim in our lifetime. But don’t be surprised if it turns out to be a protein found in the blood called GDF11. A Harvard University research team published a paper two years ago that reported that injecting old mice with GDF11 can partially reverse age-related thickening of the heart. Another study showed that a blood protein called GDF8 kept muscles from weakening.
Regardless, until the magic anti-aging pill arrives there are more modest ways to extend your health span: stay trim and slim, eat healthy foods, exercise every day (physical and mental), reduce stress and sugar in-take, and get out and meet people (socialization). Two other factors that play a large part in determining how long you will live: family genes and your blood pressure level.
- Health Span Versus Lifespan--New Research on Predicting the Future, ScienceBlog
- The Varieties of Aging in Nature, ScienceBlog
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Health Issues
Acid Reflux/Heartburn--See GERD. Alcoholism--See Substance Abuse. Alzheimer's Disease--See Dementia. Aortic Stenosis. A narrowing of the heart's aortic valve. In elderly patients this is often caused by a build-up of mineral deposits (calcium) on the aortic valve's leaflets. Eventually, the heart gets weaker, increasing the risk of heart failure where the heart cannot supply enough blood to the body. Arthritis. This is a broad term that includes more than 100 diseases that affect one or more joints. About one out of five adults have some form of the condition. It can happen to anyone, but it becomes more common as you age. The most common forms in the older people: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, and Psoriatic Arthritis. All forms of arthritis are treatable with medication, weight control, and cutting down on alcohol, meats and fish that have chemicals called purines.
Asthma. Most people with asthma experience their first symptoms at a young age. But asthma can develop for anyone at any age. It is not uncommon for adults in their 70s or 80s to develop asthma symptoms for the first time. When asthma does occur at a later age, the symptoms are much like those experienced by anyone else. However, it can create a much greater risk because older adults are more likely to develop respiratory failure, even during mild episodes of symptoms. See Respiratory Diseases section for COPD and related breathing issues. Back/Spine. Degenerative conditions of the spine are present in all elderly people. Many people remain completely symptom free. However, those individuals that do suffer are frequently severely compromised in their activities of daily living and may require significant medical and nursing support. The most common problems for older people: Spinal Stenosis, Osteoporotic Compression Fractures, Degenerative Spondylolisthesis (slipped disk), Degenerative Adult Scoliosis, Degenerative Disc Disease.
Bedsores. Also called Pressure Sores or Pressure Ulcers. They are skin wounds caused from prolonged pressure on the skin that's in contact with a bed or wheelchair. They are also a precursor of life-threatening complications such as skin and bone infections, and may be an early warning sign for dementia (See Dementia section) Bunions. Older women are more likely to have bunions as they get older, and the more severe their bunions are, the lower their quality of life is. Bunions generally don't require surgery unless there's an underlying deformity that can't otherwise be corrected or the pain becomes debilitating despite conservative treatment. Cancer. There are more than 100 forms of cancer. The most common in men: lung, prostate, colorectal (colon and rectum) and stomach. The most common in women: breast, colorectal, lung , and cervical. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, and is often diagnosed late in life after a long latent period. Approximately 5% to 10% of cancers are due to genetic defects inherited from a person's parent. Preventative measures include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, not drinking too much alcohol, eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, being vaccinated against certain infectious diseases, not eating too much processed and red meat, and avoiding too much exposure to sunlight. General Information and Research
Prostate, Colon, Skin
Pancreatic, Thyroid, Lung, Breast, Liver
Cerebral Small Vessel Disease. An umbrella term covering a variety of abnormalities related to small blood vessels in the brain. Specific examples of include “lacunar infarcts” (a type of small stroke), “white matter hyperintensities” (a radiological finding) and “cerebral microbleeds” (bleeding in the brain from a very small blood vessel). Many older adults with cerebral SVD will have no noticeable symptoms. But many problems have been associated with cerebral SVD, especially when it is moderate or severe. These include: cognitive impairment, problems with walking and balance, strokes, depression,vascular dementia, other dementias. Chronic Constipation. A clinical diagnosis based on symptoms of incomplete elimination of stool, difficulty passing stool, or both. Patients typically experience other symptoms such as hard stools, abdominal bloating, pain, and distention. Chronic constipation is characterized by the presence of symptoms for at least three months out of the preceding 12 months, and is common in adults older than 60 years. Symptoms occur in up to 50% of nursing home residents.
Chronic Fatigue. Feeling tired and weak for long periods of time. It can be caused by illnesses such as multiple sclerosis and anemia, psychiatric disorders, and the side effects from drugs. Learn more. Chronic Inflammation. Inflammation is an essential part of the body's healing system. Without it, injuries would fester and simple infections could be deadly. Too much of a good thing, though, is downright dangerous. Chronic low-grade inflammation is intimately involved in all stages of atherosclerosis, the process that leads to cholesterol-clogged arteries. This means that inflammation sets the stage for heart attacks, most strokes, peripheral artery disease, vascular dementia, and other age-related diseases. Learn more.
Chronic Pain. Research has shown that 50 percent of older adults who live on their own and 75-85 percent of the elderly in care facilities suffer from chronic pain. Yet, pain among older adults is largely undertreated, with serious health consequences, such as depression, anxiety, decreased mobility, social isolation, poor sleep, and related health risks. To help overcome these barriers, treatment of chronic pain may involve a team of different pain management specialists—including a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, pharmacist, and others who specialize in pain management. Learn more.
Congestive Heart Failure. Also known as Heart Failure, this affects nearly 6 million Americans and it is the leading cause of hospitalization in people older than 65. Heart Failure occurs when your heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. Certain conditions, such as narrowed arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease) or high blood pressure, gradually leave your heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump efficiently. Heart Failure can be ongoing (chronic), or your condition may start suddenly (acute). One way to prevent heart failure is to control conditions that cause it such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or obesity. Lifestyle changes such as exercising, reducing salt in your diet, managing stress and losing weight can also improve the quality of life. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). These are a group of diseases that include angina (chest pain, discomfort or pressure), myocardial infarction (heart attack) and sudden coronary death. The root cause involves atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)--the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on your artery walls which can restrict blood flow and form blood clots. A healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking are preventative measures. Click here to learn the difference between a Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident/CVA) and a Heart Attack. Click here to learn the difference between a Stroke and a Mini-Stroke.
Delirium. A common clinical syndrome characterized by inattention and acute cognitive dysfunction. The overall prevalence of delirium in the community is just 1–2%, but in the setting of general hospital admission this increases to 14–24%. The incidence of delirium arising during a hospital stay ranges from 6% to as high as 56%, and this incidence is even higher when more-specialized populations are considered, including those in postoperative, intensive-care, subacute and palliative-care settings. Postoperative delirium occurs in 15–53% of surgical patients over the age of 65 years, and among elderly patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) the delirium incidence can reach 70–87%.
Dementia/Alzheimer's disease/Memory Loss. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), dementia is a brain disorder that affects communication and performance of daily activities, and Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that specifically affects parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. When a person is diagnosed with dementia, they are being diagnosed with a set of symptoms without necessarily knowing the cause. Regarding Alzheimer's, researchers say the ideal treatment will feature not one stellar drug but a battery of combinations that can be tailored to each patient, as in the current standard in cancer and diabetes. General Information and Research
Diagnosing, Treating, Preventing, Lowering Risk
Food & Exercise
Depression. According to the American Psychological Association, 15 to 20 percent of Americans over age 65 have experienced depression. For older people, stopping work, having less money, health problems, and the death of a partner or friends can make them more vulnerable. Symptoms include loss of energy, sex drive, appetite and the ability to cope with life. Depression can lead to worry and anxiety which affects memory and can make you feel confused. Most older people cope well in spite of these difficulties. Others need more help. Click here to learn more.
Diabetes. There are two types, 1 and 2. Type 2 (hyperglycemia) is the most common and is caused when the pancreas can’t make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels. In Type 1, there is an absolute lack of insulin due to breakdown of islet cells in the pancreas. Long-term complications from both types of diabetes can include heart disease, strokes, diabetic retinopathy (disease of the retina which can lead to poor vision and blindness), kidney failure, and poor blood flow in the limbs leading to amputations.
Diverticulosis (a digestive disorder). Diverticula are small pouches that bulge outward through the colon or large intestine. If you have these pouches, you have a condition called diverticulosis. It becomesmore common as people age. About half of all people over age60 have it. Doctors believe the main cause is a low-fiber diet. |
Health Issues
Ears--See Hearing Loss. Enlarged Prostate (BPH). The prostate is a gland that produces the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine passes out of the body. An enlarged prostate means the gland has grown bigger. Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they get older. As the gland grows, it can press on the urethra and cause urination and bladder problems. An enlarged prostate is often called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is so common that it has been said all men will have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough. More than 90% of men over age 80 have the condition. Treatment is based on how bad your symptoms are and how much they bother you. Eyes--See Vision Falls. The risk for falls requiring emergency room care increases with age. In 2013, 473 per 10,000 men and 767.2 per 10,000 women found themselves at the hospital because of falls, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control. One-third of people who go to the emergency department for a fall typically go again within a year, according to a study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine. Most falls occur in the home, where tripping hazards include area rugs and slippery bathroom floors, according to a 2013 Journal of Injury and Violence research study.
Flu (Influenza). People age 65 and older are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu because human immune defenses become weaker with age. In recent years, it’s estimated that between 80 percent and 90 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older, and between 50 percent and 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in that age group. Frailty. A common geriatric syndrome that may include unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, muscle weakness, slowness while walking, and low levels of activity. The occurrence of frailty increases incrementally with advancing age, and is more common in older women than men, and among those of lower socio-economic status. Frail older adults are at high risk for major adverse health outcomes, including disability, falls, institutionalization, hospitalization, and mortality.
GERD/Heartburn (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach. When these signs and symptoms occur at least twice each week or interfere with your daily life, or when your doctor can see damage to your esophagus, you may be diagnosed with GERD.
Hearing Loss. 43% of people with hearing loss are 65 years old or older. High-frequency hearing loss is common in old age and made worse by a lifestyle that includes exposure to loud sounds. Hearing loss takes a toll on the quality of life and can lead to depression and withdrawal from social activities. Although hearing aids can help, only one out of four people use them.
Tech Breakthrough...The medical profession has traditionally believed that loss of hearing was not treatable. However, researchers are in the process of developing a drug that can be administered directly into the ear cavity to restore hearing. The device is surgically wedged behind the ear and can deliver a controlled dose of drugs directly to the cochlea via a small tube. Boston Globe Heart. See Congestive Heart Failure, Coronary Artery Disease, Hypertention, Aortic Stenosis. Learn about heart regeneration and aging.
Hoarding Disorder and Diogenes' Syndrome. A pathological anxiety disorder that hampers a person's general ability to disassociate value from objects. Hypertension/High Blood Pressure/Arterial Hypertension/Stroke. This is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. Hypertension usually does not cause symptoms initially, but sustained hypertension over time is a major risk factor for heart and coronary disease, stroke, aortic aneurysm, peripheral artery disease and chronic kidney disease. Dietary and lifestyle changes can improve blood pressure control and decrease the risk of health complications, although treatment with medication is still often necessary in people for whom lifestyle changes are not enough or not effective.
Incontinence. Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control and can take several forms. Some people may only leak urine occasionally while others may constantly dribble urine, and still others experience a complete lack of both bladder and bowel control. According to the National Association for Continence, one in five individuals over the age of 40 suffer from overactive bladder or urgency or frequency symptoms. Several diseases can bring about incontinence such as Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. In women, prior pregnancies, childbirth, and the onset of menopause can lead to incontinence. In men, prostate problems can hamper urination. Inflammation. Managing your body's immune response is key to diseases of aging--heart disease, dementia, cancer, diabetes and more. But researchers have suspected for years that their may be one common trigger--low-grade inflammation, both acute and chronic. Joint Replacement (Knee/Hip). About 332,000 knee replacements are performed annually. The number of hip replacements over the last 10 years has more than doubled, from 138,700 in 2000 to 310,800 in 2010. The longevity of knee and hip implants has also improved, lasting sometimes up to 15 years or longer. Alternative to knee surgery and replacement--Knee Stem Cell therapy.
Leaky Gut (Increased Intestinal Permeability). Inside our bellies, we have an extensive intestinal lining covering more than 4,000 square feet of surface area. When working properly, it forms a tight barrier that controls what gets absorbed into the bloodstream. An unhealthy gut lining may have large cracks or holes, allowing partially digested food, toxins, and bugs to penetrate the tissues beneath it. This may trigger inflammation and changes in the gut flora (normal bacteria) that could lead to problems within the digestive tract and beyond. More on Leaky Gut, Leaky Gut. Muscle Loss With Aging (Sarcopenia). The age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. Physically inactive people can loose as much as 3% to 5% of their muscle mass each decade after the age of 30. Sarcopenia typically happens faster after age 75. But it may also speed up as early as age 65 or as late as 80. It's a factor in frailty, and the likelihood of falls and fractures in older adults. Obesity. About three-fourths of adults aged 60 and older in the United States are overweight or obese. Obesity is related to Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breast and colon cancer, gall bladder disease and high blood pressure.
Oral Health. Some of the problems that come with aging: darkened teeth, dry mouth, diminished sense of taste, root decay, gum disease, tooth loss, uneven jawbone, denture-induced stomatitis, and thrush. Learn more. Osteoporosis. This is a disease where decreased bone strength increases the risk of a broken bone. Osteoporosis becomes more common with age. Bones that commonly break include the back bone, forearm and hip. Until a broken bone occurs there are typically no symptoms. Bones may weaken to such a degree that a break may occur with minor stress or spontaneously. Chronic pain and a decreased ability to carry out normal activities may occur following a broken bone. 70% of those over 80 are affected. It is more common in women than men. White and Asian people are at greater risk.
Parkinson’s Disease (PD). This disease affects the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine. Symptoms include muscle rigidity, tremors, and changes in speech and gait. Parkinson’s begins between the ages of 50 and 65, striking about 1% of the population in that age group. It is slightly more common in men than in women. After diagnosis, treatments can help relieve symptoms and decrease the disability, but there is no cure.
Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD). POCD is a little-known condition that affects a substantial number of older adults after surgery. Some patients with POCD experience memory problems; others have difficulty multitasking, learning new things, following multistep procedures or setting priorities. Prostate Diseases. All men are at risk for prostate problems. The older men get, the more likely to have prostate trouble. The three main common problems and related issues:
Respiratory Diseases. Aging sometimes brings on more serious breathing problems including incapacitating shortness of breath, chest discomfort, wheezing, and coughing. While these symptoms are common, they should not be considered a normal part of aging. Medical conditions that can cause breathing problems include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, heart failure, neurological disorders (such as stroke), and cancer. See Asthma section for more information.
Sepsis. Sepsis is a leading cause of death in hospital ICUs, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the life-threatening blood infection. It occurs when the body's attempt to fight an infection causes widespread inflammation. People who become septic usually develop low blood pressure or shock. There is also a three-fold increase in dementia for septic survivors.
Shingles. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Although shingles can occur anywhere on your body, it most often appears as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or the right side of your torso. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. The National Institutes of Health says that 50 percent of all Americans will experience shingles before they are age 80. Skin (Thinning and Easy Bruising). Fragile or thin skin that tears easily is a common problem in older adults. Aging, sun exposure and genetics all play a role in thinning skin. Certain medications, such as long-term use of oral or topical corticosteroids, also can weaken the skin and blood vessels in the skin. Easy bruising is common with age. Although most bruises are harmless and go away without treatment, easy bruising can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem. Sleep. As people age they tend to have a harder time falling asleep, and more trouble staying asleep than when they were younger. Research suggests that much of the sleep disturbance among the elderly can be attributed to physical and psychiatric illnesses, and the medications used to treat them. Other factors affecting sleep are the circadian rhythms that coordinate the timing of our bodily functions. For example, older people tend to become sleepier in the early evening and wake earlier in the morning compared to younger adults. Sleep disorders prevalent in older people:
Five Reasons You Can't Sleep, AARP Insomnia Epidemic in US, Independent Positive Outlook May Mean Better Sleep, Harvard Medical Repaying Your Sleep Debt, Harvard Medical Research--Neural Circuit in Brain Controls Wakefulness, Science Blog Senior Sleep Guide, Diseases and Their Effects on Sleep, Tuck Sleep Guide for Seniors, Mattresshelp.org Slow Brain Waves During Sleep Make Older Adults Forget, SciBlog The Symptoms and Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea, Harvard Medical Why Your Insomnia May Be Genetic, LondTimes Worst Foods for Your Sleep, Next Avenue Steakhouse Syndrome (Esophageal Food Bolus Obstruction): a condition in which a mass of food (called a bolus) becomes stuck in the lower part of the esophagus. The risk of getting Steakhouse Syndrome increases with age. It's more common with increased body weight and acid reflux. People who experience Steakhouse Syndrome are often diagnosed later with an abnormality called Schatzki’s ring, thickened tissue at the lower end of the esophagus from GERD. Stress. Chronic stress is widely believed to accelerate biologic aging and weaken the immune system function. Ongoing, chronic stress can cause or exacerbate many serious health problems, including:
Stress Relief Tips for Older Adults, Harvard Medical Stroke--See Hypertension. Substance Abuse. One in five people over the age of 65 have had a substance abuse problem at some point in their lives, according to a National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions. Alcohol and tobacco topped the list of non-medical substances abused by survey participants. Substance and alcohol abuse are a concern for senior health because of possible interactions with prescription medications, their impact on overall health, and increased risk of falling due to intoxication.
Temporary Loss of Consciousness (Syncope/Fainting). This is defined as a partial or complete loss of consciousness with interruption of awareness of oneself and ones surroundings. When the loss of consciousness is temporary and there is spontaneous recovery, it is referred to as syncope, or in non medical terms, fainting. Syncope accounts for up to 3% of all emergency room visits and up to 6% of all hospital admissions in North America. Thinning Hair. By the age of 50 as many as 85 percent of all men have experienced a thinning of their hair. Women, too, often see hair loss as they age, with as many as 40 percent of all women experiencing hair thinning. The reasons for hair loss vary. It can be caused by childbirth or other stressful events. Heredity, thyroid levels and even frequent use of a flat iron can also be to blame. Thyroid Disease. The incidence of thyroid disease increases with age. An estimated 20% of women over the age of 60 have some form of thyroid disease. The symptoms of thyroid disease vary according to whether too much hormone is being produced (hyperthyroid) or too little (hypothyroid). Urinary Tract Infections (URIs). More than half of women will have at least one URI during their lifetimes, and if left untreated, they can lead to a bladder or kidney infection. Venous Thromboembolism (VTE). A blood clot that starts in a vein. It is the third leading vascular diagnosis after heart attack and stroke, affecting about 300,000 to 600,000 Americans each year. VTE is most common in adults 60 and older, but they can occur at any age. VTE is rare in children. Vision. There are several vision related medical conditions that affect the elderly. Here are the top 4: Macular degeneration, Cataracts, Diabetic Reinpathy, Glaucoma. Learn more about the aging eye, and how to treat and prevent eye disease. Learn more about telescope implant technology to improve vision in Macular Degeneration.
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Medication Management and Organization
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Additional Health-Related Information & Issues
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Medications & Off-the-Shelf Drugs
- The Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults, commonly called the Beers List, is a guideline for healthcare professionals to help improve the safety of prescribing medications for adults age 65 and older. It emphasizes deprescribing medication that is unnecessary.
- Risks of Ibuprofen. Next Avenue
- Learn about drugs, their side effects, and related lawsuits. American Recall Center
- Eight Supplements That Make Prescription Drugs Less Effective, AARP
- Is Aspirin a Wonder Drug, Harvard Medical
- Top Drugs to Avoid, NextAvenue