The most common chronic illnesses that affect elderly people include asthma, arthritis, and diabetes. Cases of asthma illness are common among elderly people who have attained the age of 65 and above. According to research findings, asthma is very serious in this age group since it is the cause of most deaths among elderly persons.
Asthma complications account for a large percentage of healthcare costs yet many cases go untreated among elderly persons. Though the facts about asthma illness cases keep on changing, it still accounts for many death cases. A detailed explanation regarding asthma illnesses among elderly persons is presented in the following discussion. More asthma illness cases have been reported among blacks than whites. Women are the worst affected since more than one-third of them are diagnosed with asthma as compared to their male counterparts. Asthma complications are more dangerous among elderly people because people in this age group are likely to suffer respiratory failure or mild attacks.
Arthritis is another health complication that is common among older adults. This condition is accompanied by inflammatory joints. The patient experiences stiff joints and pain. Another complication that might accompany arthritis illness is swelling. Though arthritis can affect everyone, it is common among older adults. Arthritis is often accompanied by various symptoms and it can affect other organs of the body such as the heart. The most common types of arthritis include but are not limited to osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis. Medical experts advise that people should take regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
Moreover, diabetes is one of the most challenging health conditions among older adults. High blood sugar often characterizes this metabolic disorder. The diabetes disorder prevents the body from producing insulin or responding to it. And, its symptoms include extreme fatigue, excessive urination, extreme thirst, rapid weight loss, and extreme hunger among others. Importantly, the best way to control and prevent diabetes cases is to take part in daily exercise and eat food that has low salt, calories, and fat content.