Even in your youth, being aware of your health is important. Understanding what symptoms to look out for, how to maintain a balanced lifestyle, and even signs that your mental health might be under strain can all contribute to a happier life overall. While it is key to monitor your health no matter what your age is, the reality is that as you move into your more mature years, you’re likely to be more susceptible to certain ailments. Below are some of the more common health conditions that can appear in your senior years, and what to look out for.
1. Heart Disease
Heart disease is a serious issue that can result in life-changing, or even fatal, consequences if it isn’t dealt with properly. It is a health condition that might be more prominent in older generations, and this is why it is key to be even more mindful of your diet and exercise regime when you become a senior citizen. Avoiding foods that are high in salt, saturated fats, and sugar is a good start, as these can all contribute to higher cholesterol levels and blocked arteries. If you smoke, this will also heighten your risk of developing heart disease, as well as cancer and other serious conditions. Make sure you are getting in enough cardio exercise each week and following a balanced diet to reduce your risk of heart disease and go for regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor this.
2. Stroke
A stroke can happen to people of a younger generation too and often is brought on by various lifestyle factors. This can include things like smoking, poor diet, and stress is also a culprit. Although they are a risk for people outside of the senior community, they can be commonly seen in more mature adults. Strokes can be fatal, but patients can survive if they receive medical attention quickly. There can be struggles in the aftermath though, with some individuals losing some of their motor skills that impact their mobility, speech, or ability to eat. In these circumstances, a temporary or permanent stay in an assisted living facility like this care home in Brentwood could be an ideal solution. Here residents will get support from trained carers to accommodate their needs. Symptoms of a stroke include numbness or a weakness in the face and arms, difficulty speaking, cognitive difficulty, blurred or loss of vision, and dizziness or impaired balance or motor skills.
3. Arthritis
Again, this is a condition that can develop even in your youth but is something very common within the senior community. Arthritis can be a very painful condition as it inflames your joints, often making it difficult to carry out basic tasks throughout the day. For those with severe arthritis, having a carer or moving into an assisted living home could be beneficial. Some of the more common symptoms that you have arthritis include swollen or stiff joints, restricted movement in the affected area, weakness in the muscles around the area, or warm and red skin over the joints.
These are just a few examples of common health conditions to look out for within the senior community, and regular health checks with a GP can be a great way to keep on top of them and get the medical attention you need.
