It is a fact of life that we will age. With every year that goes past our bodies are ageing, whether we like it or not.
The ageing process should be seen as a positive one and for many older people it is easy to embrace all the changes. However, for some there’s a great deal of change in their health.
There are a number of conditions that can become worse, or even appear altogether as you become older. In this article I’m going to summarise some of the many conditions that can develop with time and how you can best treat them.
Arthritis
Whilst it is more common to develop osteoarthritis as you age, it should never be taken as normal “wear and tear” on your joints.
It develops when there is a change in the soft tissue on that protects the surface of your bones in the joints. This is known as cartilage. This means that the joint cannot move as freely, leaving you with damage to the bone.
There is also a chance that bony outgrowths will form on the edge of the joint, giving it a knobbly appearance. Along with the thickening of the membranes in the joints, you will be left with painful and stiff joints.
Whilst there is no cure for arthritis, there are things that you can do to treat the disorder and make life much more comfortable for yourself.
Here are some of the most recommended forms of treatment:
- Pain relief- this kind of arthritis treatment involves the use of strong painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs if you are in severe levels of pain.
- Exercise- This should be in the form of an appropriate exercise plan, improving levels of pain and also increasing general fitness.
- Weight management- Losing weight can reduce the level of strain that is placed on your weight-bearing joints.
- Specialist equipment- If your is causing you to have difficulties moving around then you may be provided with aids to help you get around and carry out everyday tasks.
Dementia
Dementia is a neurological disorder which affects the way that you can think, reason, and recall memories. It comes in the form of a number of different diseases that have an effect on your brain and can manifest itself in a number of symptoms.
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common forms of dementia, closely followed by vascular dementia. Both of which have their own causes.
Whilst not everyone who is elderly will have dementia, the likelihood of developing it does increase with age.
Some of the most common signs that someone could have dementia are:
- Not being able to remember things that have recently happened
- Struggling to follow conversations
- Forgetting names, days, or dates
- Being unaware that you are repeating yourself
- Confusion
- Issues controlling emotions or moods
Ways to treat dementia is currently being researched. If you are concerned that someone you love, or even you, are suffering from dementia, then it is best to speak to a healthcare professional.
Loss of hearing
Another common health condition in older people is a decline in their hearing ability. This can be for a variety of reasons and lead to the person feeling frustrated and unable to join in conversations with their family members.
One of the best ways to treat hearing loss is with a hearing aid. These come in a variety of styles and some are incredibly discreet and not immediately visible.
Conclusion
These are just some of the health conditions that can come as we age. If you are concerned about any of them then it is important to speak to your doctor and have them properly diagnosed. The correct treatment will not only help you to feel better, but can also lead to healthier, happier life too.
Photo by Joe Le Merou 