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Ten Common Health Problems Over Fifty

Ten Common Health Problems Over Fifty
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No one looks forward to getting older; not only does the body’s physical abilities start to erode, but certain health issues become increasingly likely. Listed below are ten health- related issues that frequently appear in those over fifty.

Hypertension/High Blood Pressure – The body’s limbs aren’t the only thing that loses flexibility with age; our blood vessels likewise become notably stiffer. Consequently, many people see their blood pressure rise past middle age. In fact, approximately two- thirds of adults over sixty are believed to be living with hypertension.

Diabetes – A disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, diabetes has become far more common over the last several decades. If not properly addressed, diabetes can trigger problems with the eyes, kidneys and heart. Consult with your doctor if you are concerned about your blood sugar levels.

Heart Disease – How big of a problem is heart disease? Consider that in 2015, it was the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming over 600,000 lives. As with other well-known maladies, heart disease targets older adults; compared to adults aged 20-39, those in the 40 to 59 age bracket are five times likelier to be afflicted with this condition.

Obesity – Much has been written about about America’s ever-increasing waistline. But do you know which age demographic has the highest obesity rate? The answer would be adults between the ages of 40 and 59, with more than four in ten qualifying as obese.

Osteoporosis – Weakening bones are generally associated with women, but
osteoporosis also affects men on a widespread basis. Roughly one half of women over 50 have suffered bone fractures due to this condition, as have about a quarter of men in this same age bracket.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – In short, COPD is a progressive condition that interferes with the respiratory system. Often caused by decades of smoking, COPD sufferers tend to experience coughing, wheezing, excessive mucus production and breathing difficulties.

Hearing Loss – One telltale sign of getting older is a diminished ability to hear. Nearly one fifth of older adults (aged 45 to 64) must contend with the effects of hearing loss. Moreover, hearing issues typically tend to increase in severity as a person ages.

Bladder Difficulties – It doesn’t make for pleasant conversation, but bladder problems are a major concern for people in their fifties, sixties and older. The reasons behind poor bladder control vary, and can range from weakened muscles to an enlarged prostate to neurological disorders.

Depression – A number of factors can precipitate the onset of depression, such as divorce, the death of loved ones or the appearance of other serious health conditions. These personal challenges might explain why depression rates are highest among those aged 40 to 59.

Back Pain – It’s sort of a cliche for older individuals to complain about back woes, but back-related pain does become more prevalent with age. For those over the age of fifty, back pain can be traced back to smoking, sedentary lifestyles or excessive body weight.

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