It always pays to be proactive, especially when it comes to your well-being and that of those you care for.
"The best way to stay healthy -- at any age -- is to live a lifestyle that includes keeping your mind challenged and engaged, practicing
It always pays to be proactive, especially when it comes to your well-being and that of those you care for.
"The best way to stay healthy -- at any age -- is to live a lifestyle that includes keeping your mind challenged and engaged, practicing stress resilience, eating a nutritious diet, and staying active," says Dr. Pamela Peeke, founder of the Peeke Performance Center for Healthy Living and senior health spokesperson for the National Senior Games Association.
But Peeke notes that being able to quickly recognize the health concerns that could be present in your life right now is equally important. To help you spot and stop them, here's your guide to the top five health concerns that affect older Americans -- and what to do if you suspect you or someone you love may be at risk.
Health Concern #1: Diabetes
Why it's serious: According to the American Diabetes Association, close to 27 percent of individuals 65 and older in the United States have diabetes. "The disease presents the aged with a domino effect," says Peeke. "Diabetes can lead to a seriously elevated risk for heart disease and stroke, falls, and multiorgan diseases and impairments, including loss of hearing and vision, as well as heightened risk for infection due to a depressed immune system and poor blood circulation."
What to look for: Spotting diabetes in the elderly can be challenging, since many of the classic warning signs (such as vision problems, increased thirst, and frequent urination) are common issues among the aged. Instead, it's smarter to stay aware of other signs such as confusion, sleepiness, depression, foot pain, sudden weight loss, or cuts and bruises that seem to heal more slowly than usual.
What you can do about it: Consult a physician immediately to have the person's blood glucose levels tested, but expect them to be tested twice -- each test taking place on different days -- for accuracy.
Health Concern #2: Memory and Emotional Well-Being
Why it's serious: "Alzheimer's and vascular dementia are the two most common forms of memory loss, both of which can greatly affect the emotional well-being of the afflicted, causing stress, anxiety, and depression," says Peeke. Alzheimer's -- the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. -- affects someone new every 67 seconds nationwide. "The odds of a loved one developing Alzheimer's doubles about every five years after they turn 65," says Peeke. "After 85, those odds change to about 50 percent."
What to look for: Having a loved one suffering from memory issues doesn't necessarily make them a candidate for Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. However, noticing significant impairment in at least two of the following areas are warning signs of dementia: memory, the ability to focus and pay attention, communication and language, reasoning and judgment, and visual perception.
What you can do about it: Scheduling an appointment with a doctor who can evaluate overall health is the first 