SILVER YEARS – PHYSICAL/MENTAL/EMOTIONAL WELL BEING
Some Diseases Associated With Old Age
Old age is also known as senescence. Normally silver years or old age is defined as period of the life from 60-65 years. A regular exercise and eating a well balanced diet can help to fight against many infections and diseases associated with the old age.
Silver Years- Physical/Mental/Emotional Well Being
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if proper health care measures are taken after 65 years of age ,one can live for an another 19.3 years.
According to Jeanne Wei, MD, PhD, executive director of the Reynolds Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, people who adopt healthy lifestyle choices, like quitting smoking and losing weight, can help you avoid age related health risks.
Here is a list of some diseases associated with old age:
1. Arthritis
According to CDC 49.7 percent of elderly suffer from arthritis. Elderly mostly suffer from painful condition called osteoarthritis, which is painful and limits mobility in elderly.
2. Heart Disease
Elderly with risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, that increase the chances of have a high tendency of developing cardiovascular diseases like stroke. Eating well balanced and frequent meals along with exercise can prevent elderly from the heart related disorders.
3. Cancer
As per the CDC reports, 28 percent of men and 21 percent of women over age 65 are living with cancer. Hence regular checkups like mammograms, colonoscopies, and skin checks can prevent different type of cancers.
4. Respiratory Diseases
CDC has reported that chronic lower respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are the third most common cause of death among people 65 and older. Elderly suffer from chronic respiratory infections such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema. These problems can make elderly to easily fall for conditions like pneumonia. Early checks can prevent the pneumonia in elderly.
5. Alzheimer’s Disease
As per the Alzheimer’s Association, one in nine people age 65 and older, which is about 11 percent, have Alzheimer’s disease, but because diagnosis is challenging, it’s difficult to know exactly how many people are living with this chronic condition. Diagnosing this disease at an early stage can help to deal with it an early stage.
6. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is also an age-related problem in elderly, especially in women. Osteoporosis can contribute towards less mobility and a deranged stature in elderly.
7. Diabetes
According to CDC 25 percent of people ages 65 and older are living with diabetes. It is necessary to check for pre diabetes conditions and monitoring blood sugar levels can help to control the disease.
8. Influenza and Pneumonia
According to the CDC ,flu and pneumonia infections are among the top eight causes of death in people over age 65. Seniors are more vulnerable to these diseases and less able to fight them off. Vaccination can prevent elderly to fall for these infections .
9. Falls
As per the CDC repots, 2.5 million people ages 65 and older are treated in emergency departments because of falls. Elderly should walk carefully and should refrain from using slippery bath rooms.
10. Obesity
Obesity is an important senior health risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It also decreases the motility in elderly leading to various complications such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
11. Depression
According to CDC many elderly suffer from depression. Support from friends and family and increased social interaction can prevent depression in elderly.
12. Oral Health
Oral health becomes compromised in elderly due to functional and physiological changes. Elderly are advised to visit dentist after every 6 months for a regular assessment. Dentures and oral rehabilitation measures are taken by the dentists to restore the dental health in elderly.
13. Shingles
According to the National Institutes of Health, one out of three people over 60 will get shingles. People who suffer from chicken pox in childhood uaually encounter shingles as they grow with age. A good immune system and good health status helps elderly to recover from shingles at a faster pace.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a medical disorder characterised by extreme fatigue which cannot be explained by any medical condition.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
What is the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, but many factors might play a role
It tends to affect women more, especially those in their 40s and 50s
Stress is often a common factor seen in almost all people suffering from CFS
Some people develop CFS after a viral ailment
Hormonal imbalances might play a role
Some people have a weak immune system and are more prone to CFS
CFS might also be due to a genetic abnormality
What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?
A person suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome can have symptoms like
Constant fatigue
A feeling of waking up unrefreshed after sleep
Irritability
Lack of concentration
Headaches
Joint and muscle pains
Sore throat
Swelling of the lymph nodes in the body
CFS tends to be cyclical and there are periods when the affected person might feel better and then relapse again
Diagnosis of Chronic fatigue syndrome
There are no lab tests to screen for CFS, and its symptoms are similar to many other illnesses. Many people with CFS don’t “look” sick, so doctors it is challenging for doctors to diagnose this disease.
In order to be diagnosed with CFS, your doctor will rule out other potential causes and review your medical history with you. They’ll make sure that you have at least four of the above symptoms. They’ll also ask about the duration and severity of your unexplained fatigue.
Ruling out other potential causes of your fatigue is a key part of the diagnosis process.
Some conditions whose symptoms resemble those of CFS include:
mononucleosis
Lyme disease
multiple sclerosis
lupus (SLE)
hypothyroidism
fibromyalgia
major depressive disorder
You may also experience symptoms of CFS if you’re severely obese or have depression or sleep disorders. The side effects of certain drugs, such as antihistamines and alcohol, can mimic CFS as well.
Because the symptoms of CFS resemble those of other conditions, it’s important not to self-diagnose and to talk to your doctor.
What can I do if I feel tired all the time?
In case you are troubled by constant fatigue and lethargy, it would be best to consult a doctor.
In addition to a careful history concerning your condition, the doctor will generally also advise tests to rule out other medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to what you are suffering from.
There are no specific tests to diagnose CFS, it is a diagnosis of exclusion. So, it’s important to be sure that the symptoms are not due to any other disease, like hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, lupus, depression etc.
How is chronic fatigue syndrome managed?
Managing CFS involves lifestyle changes as well as support in the form of counselling. There is no specific medical treatment available to treat this condition. Some lifestyle changes can help in managing the condition
It’s best to avoid stimulants like caffeine, especially near bedtime, as these can cause insomnia and irritability.
Avoid sleeping during the day so that the sleep at night is undisturbed.
A regular exercise regime is very important. It is especially beneficial to walk jog outdoors as this helps in improving the mood too.
A well balanced diet, rich in anti-oxidants as well as protein, can help in maintaining the body’s immunity. Pulses, meat, eggs, fruits and nuts can all help in strengthening the body.
Meditation, yoga, tai chi etc. can help in relaxing the mind as well as the body.
Joining a support group or using the help of a therapist is beneficial for many people as it helps them cope better with the anxiety and depression that is seen often in this condition.
In case required, an anti-depressant might be prescribed by your doctor.
The doctor might also recommend multivitamin supplements periodically to help boost your immunity.
We recommend medical guidance prior to starting any treatment regime.
