Which of the following are Common Chronic Diseases Among Older Adults?

Chronic diseases are illnesses that last for more than 6 months and often affect multiple body systems. Among older adults, common chronic diseases include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis. These conditions can be particularly dangerous for older adults because they often have weakened immune systems and are more likely to develop complications. Treatment for chronic diseases often requires a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.

Introduction

Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer, tend to increase in prevalence with age. However, which of the following are common chronic diseases among older adults? According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the most common chronic diseases among those aged 65 and over are heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and arthritis. Additionally, depression and Alzheimer’s disease are two of the top three causes of disability in this age group.

Chronic diseases are conditions that continue for a long period of time and often cause significant damage to the body or quality of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic diseases are among the most common health problems in older adults. Some of the most common chronic diseases among older adults include heart disease, stroke, cancer, arthritis, and diabetes. It is important for seniors to be aware of their risk factors for these diseases and to take steps to protect themselves from them.

Common Chronic Diseases Among Older Adults

Chronic diseases are common among older adults, affecting about one-third of those age 65 and over. The risk of developing a chronic disease increases with age. About half of all older adults have at least one chronic disease. Chronic diseases are treated with medications and therapy, but they can also lead to death if not properly managed. Some older adults manage their conditions well by using preventive measures such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. Others may need help from a doctor or nurse to manage their condition effectively.

These conditions include:

  1. Arthritis,
  2. Heart disease,
  3. Stroke,
  4. Dementia, and
  5. Cancer.

The leading causes of death for adults 65 and older continue to be heart disease, stroke, and cancer. However, arthritis, a joint inflammation disorder, is now the seventh leading cause of death in this age group. In 2007, arthritis caused the deaths of 213,000 Americans over the age of 65.

The incidence of arthritis has been increasing for several decades and is now more common than either heart disease or stroke. This increase may be due in part to the aging population and improved medications for both heart disease and stroke. However, there is also evidence that environmental factors such as increased exposure to ultraviolet light are contributing to the increase in arthritis rates.

Older adults are more likely to have more than one chronic disease. The most common combination is two or more chronic diseases.