Over 50? These Problems Can Sneak Up on You

Over 50? These Problems Can Sneak Up on You

Outsmart Your Age
More than 9 in 10 older adults have
some type of chronic disease, and
almost 8 in 10 have more than one.
So chances are, you'll have one sooner
or later. But there are things you can do
to live a healthier life.

High Blood Pressure
As you age, your blood vessels get less
flexible, and that puts pressure on the system
that carries blood through your body. That
might explain why about 2 in 3 adults over 60
have high blood pressure. But there are
other causes you can control: Watch your
weight, exercise, stop smoking, find ways to
deal with stress, and eat healthy.

Diabetes
Since 1980, the number of middle-aged
and older adults with diabetes has almost
doubled. Because of that, the CDC calls it
an epidemic. Your risk of getting the
disease goes up after you hit 45, and it can
be serious. It can lead to heart disease,
kidney disease, blindness, and other
problems. Talk with your doctor about
having your blood sugar checked.

Heart Disease
Plaque buildup in your arteries is a major
cause of heart disease. It starts in
childhood and gets worse as you age.
That's why people age 40 to 59 are more
than five times as likely to have heart
disease as people 20 to 39.

Obesity
If you weigh a lot more than is healthy for
your height, you could be considered obese
-- it’s not having just a few extra pounds.
It’s linked to at least 20 chronic diseases,
including heart disease, stroke, diabetes,
cancer, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
The highest rate among all age groups is in
adults ages 40 to 59 -- 41% of whom are
obese.

Osteoarthritis
At one time, doctors chalked up this
disease of the joints to the wear and tear of
age, and that is a factor (37% of people 45
and over have osteoarthritis of the knee).
But genetics and lifestyle probably have
something to do with it as well. And
previous joint injuries, a lack of physical
activity, diabetes, and being overweight can
all play a part, too.

Vision Problems
That annoying blurriness when you try to
read the small type on labels or menus isn’t
the only threat to your vision as you age.
Cataracts (which cloud the lens of your
eye) and glaucoma (a group of eye
conditions that damage your optic nerve)
can harm your eyesight. See your eye
doctor for regular exams.

Bladder Problems
Whether you can’t go when you need to or
you have to go too often, problems with
bladder control tend to happen as we get
older. They can be caused by nerve
problems, muscle weakness, thickening
tissue, or an enlarged prostate. Exercises
and lifestyle changes -- drinking less
caffeine or not lifting heavy things, for
example -- often help.

Hearing Loss
Maybe nothing says “You’re getting older”
more than having to ask, “What did you
say?” Some 18% of WORLD WIDE 45 to
64 have some sort of hearing trouble, and it
tends to get worse as you age. Loud noise,
disease, and your genes all play a part.
Some medications can cause hearing
problems, too. See your doctor if you’re not
able to hear as well as you used to.

Osteoporosis
About half of women over 50, and up to
25% of men in that age group, break bones
because they’ve lost too much bone mass,
and their bodies haven’t replaced it. A
couple of things that can help: a healthy
diet rich in calcium and vitamin D (you need
both for strong bones) and regular weightbearing
exercise, like dancing, jogging, or
climbing stairs.

Cancer
Age is the biggest risk factor for cancer.
The disease affects young people, too, but
your odds of having it more than double
between 45 and 54. You can’t control your
age or your genes, but you do have a say
in things like smoking or spending too
much time in the sun.

Depression
People between the ages of 40 and 59
have a higher rate of depression than any
other age group. Many people get down as
health problems crop up, loved ones are
lost or move away, and other life changes
happen. It gets better, though. After 59, the
numbers fall to only 7% of women and 5%
of men.

Back Pain
The older you get, the more common this
is. Lots of things can make you more likely
to have it: being overweight, smoking, not
getting enough exercise, or diseases like
arthritis and cancer. Watch your weight,
exercise, and get plenty of vitamin D and
calcium to keep your bones strong. And
strengthen those back muscles -- you’ll
need them.

Dementia
Alzheimer’s, a form of dementia, usually
doesn’t pop up until 65 or so. One in 9
people that age or older have Alzheimer’s,
but the rate rises to 1 in 3 for ages 85 or up.
Some risk factors (like age and heredity)
are uncontrollable. But evidence suggests
that a heart-healthy diet and watching your
blood pressure and blood sugar might help.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(COPD)
This causes inflammation and blocks air
from your lungs. It’s a slow-moving disease
that you could have for years without
knowing it -- symptoms usually show up in
your 40s or 50s. It can make you have
trouble breathing, and you may cough,
wheeze, and spit up mucus. Exercise, a
healthy diet, and avoiding smoke and
pollution can help.

Thank You