Top Health Conditions for Adults Over 65

Many of the leading causes of death in people over the age of 65 can be prevented or slowed down.

1 Heart Disease

Heart disease includes heart failure, heart attack, coronary artery disease (narrowing or hardening of the arteries) and heart arrhythmia. These conditions can cause the heart to beat ineffectively and affect the circulation.

These conditions are associated with—or caused by—diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood). 

Smoking, improper diet, obesity, too much alcohol, lack of exercise and family history increase the risk of developing heart disease.

That means that quitting smoking (or not starting), achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, drinking alcohol in moderation, and eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet can all help reduce the risk of heart disease.

2 Cancer

As we age, our risk of developing cancer (such as breast cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, and blood and bone marrow cancers (like leukemia)) increases.

Lifestyle changes that may reduce the risk of developing cancer include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating more fruits and vegetables, and cutting back on red and processed meats. Using sun protection can also help protect against the development of skin cancer.

The five of the deadliest cancers (having the most deaths per year in the US) are lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer.

3 COVID-19

In 2020, COVID-19 emerged as a leading cause of death around the globe. Older people are at a greater risk of serious illness.

The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to get your vaccine and booster shots. Following appropriate masking guidance and avoiding contact with people who are sick also help.

4 Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke)

Cerebrovascular disease is a group of conditions that includes stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can be due to a blood clot or blockage (like a cholesterol plaque) that cuts off blood flow to a part of the brain, or a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Both can cause damage or death to brain tissue.

Strokes can cause paralysis, speech disorders, swallowing problems and immobility. 

High blood pressure (hypertension) is the most important risk factor for stroke, but diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking also increase the risk.

5 Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease

Chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) is a group of four diseases: chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis and emphysema and asthma. These conditions make it difficult to breathe. As they progress or get worse, you have to work harder and harder to catch your breath, often feeling like you are suffocating.

The most important thing you can do to prevent or slow the progression of CLRD is to stop smoking (or not start) and avoid secondhand smoke. Be mindful of using a wood-burning stove or fireplace, as they can increase the risk of lung damage.

6 Alzheimer's Disease

This progressive and deadly disease causes progressive memory loss, personality changes, and eventually, a complete loss of function and ability. The causes of Alzheimer's disease are unknown, but there are medications that can slow it down.

Avoiding head trauma will reduce the risk. Ways to do this include wearing a seat belt and wearing a helmet when playing contact sports. Challenging your brain by studying a new area or learning a new skill may offer some protection. Smoking has also been linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Diabetes may increase the risk, and studies have shown that people with high blood sugar had more rapid cognitive decline compared to those with normal blood sugar. 

Diet may have a significant protective effect. Research has shown that the MIND diet (a hybrid of the Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets) can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 53%.

7 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, is a chronic disease that weakens the immune system and can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease and other circulatory problems. With this condition, wounds take longer to heal and respiratory infections, like pneumonia, can be more severe.

Maintaining an appropriate weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Meanwhile, smokers are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Thus quit smoking or avoid it altogether.

8 Accidents

In older people, simple falls can result in fractures that cause immobility and disability and may hasten death. This may be caused by balance disorders, failing eyesight and slower reflexes.

Exercise programs can help improve your balance and maintain strength. 

Other steps you can take to minimize your risks of a fall include: keeping eyeglass prescriptions up to date, rising slowly from a sitting position (to avoid getting dizzy), and wearing rubber-soled, flat shoes.

In some cases, if taking different drugs together at the same time, they may interact and cause dizziness, drowsiness, or other symptoms that could contribute to an accident or fall.

9 Nephritis

Kidney inflammation, or nephritis, can be sudden (acute) or long-lasting (chronic). Possible causes include bacterial infection or exposure to chemicals or toxins, such as mercury, arsenic or alcohol. Autoimmune disease and a number of medications may also play a role.

If left untreated, kidney inflammation can cause the kidneys to fail (also called renal failure). When your kidneys fail, toxins can build up because your body cannot filter your blood properly. You may see a decrease in urine output. Chronic renal failure may lead to a ​need for dialysis.

10 Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a type of progressive movement disorder that can lead to tremors and problems with movement and balance. It typically develops after age 60.

The condition is thought to be caused by both genetic changes and environmental factors. While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, symptoms can be managed with various treatments, including medication and lifestyle changes.

Studies suggest that maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular aerobic exercise may help with symptom control and possibly slow the progression of the condition.

Thus, in conclusion, by taking steps to live a healthier lifestyle—such as not smoking, exercising regularly, and modifying your diet—you can avoid conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes that can affect the quality and length of your life.