Age-related diseases are illnesses that happen to people more frequently as they age. Gerontologist and professor of medicine at the University of Calgary, David Hogan, shares some of the most common diseases related to age.
Cardiovascular Disease
Heart disease is one of the most common causes of death in many countries and is the number one killer in the United States. Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease, which occurs when the main arteries that transport blood to the heart are blocked or narrowed. Obstructions form quickly or over time and can lead to fatal heart attacks.
Strokes
A stroke is a condition where there is a disruption in a blood vessel, causing blood to stop flowing in a part of the brain. Strokes can be fatal because brain cells can die very quickly when deprived of oxygen in the blood.
Strokes come in two forms. An ischemic stroke is the most diagnosed stroke, a result of any lack of blood flow to the brain. The second type is a hemorrhagic stroke, caused by a burst blood vessel bursts and bleeding in the brain.
Cancer
Age is one of the biggest risk factors for many forms of cancer, a condition that sees abnormal cells grow uncontrollably. 77% of all cancers occur in people over the age of 55, according to the American Cancer Society. In Canada, cancer is the leading cause of death for both women and men.
Lung, skin, breast colorectal, prostate, and stomach cancers are several types of cancer that are more common as we age.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that causes stiffness, tremors, and restricted movements. 75% of all Parkinson’s-Disease cases start after the age of 60. Men are more likely to suffer from Parkinson’s than women. Researchers have discovered that the illness is a result of a combination of environmental factors and genetics, including exposure to toxins.
Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is an illness that disrupts how your body uses sugar from the food you consume. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in people who are below the age of 30, with their bodies unable to produce insulin.
Type 2 diabetes becomes more common after age 45 and causes the body to develop resistance to insulin. As a result, the body is unable to process glucose properly. Both forms of diabetes lead to overly high blood sugar levels, which can lead to severe issues like nerve damage, kidney failure, heart attack and stroke.
According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been on the rise, the increase seems to have slowed. Practicing healthier habits such as eating a well-balanced diet and regular exercise can keep levels of blood glucose in an acceptable range.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
When your heart pumps, blood exerts a force on the walls of your arteries. This particular force is called blood pressure. Blood pressure is lower when you are resting and higher when you are excited or in distress — though it typically rises with age. Chronically high blood pressure can lead to serious issues for your heart, kidneys and other systems in the body.
If you are considering assisted living to help you manage any of these illnesses, please contact our retirement community today!
