At least 8 out of 10 seniors in the US are living with a terminal health condition. What is more worrying is that around 70% of them are battling more than one chronic condition. Despite this worrying trend, seniors can still enjoy their quality of life through personalized care and adopting healthy lifestyle habits.  If you or someone you love needs specialized and advanced senior care, Dr. Thomas Nguyen and his team will be at your service. The team is ready to provide internal medicine for aging adults in Palm Beach County, FL. Here are some common chronic conditions in senior adults:

1. High blood pressure (HBP)

HBP or hypertension is a chronic condition that attacks blood vessels, increasing an individual’s risk for life-threatening diseases like stroke and cardiac arrest. An aging adult may live with HBP without noticing any symptoms. The only way to determine if someone has HBP is by linking them to a qualified geriatrician. The earlier a doctor detects HBP, the higher the chances of finding a suitable treatment plan for the patient. Meanwhile, aging adults can prevent their HBP risk by avoiding too much salt and alcohol intake, engaging in regular exercises, and going for routine blood pressure checkups.

2. Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition where the body lacks enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. As this happens, cells in the body do not get access to glucose. Instead, glucose gets absorbed in the blood, causing sugar levels to rise. Over time, diabetes can damage vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

Seniors can manage or prevent diabetes by watching their diet. A doctor can recommend a suitable diet plan that regulates blood sugar levels. Alternatively, they can link up with a geriatrician to recommend an exercise program to help keep their weight in check.

3. Heart disease

About 14% of seniors risk developing heart disease due to lifestyle risk factors and other underlying conditions. Heart disease can develop when the heart becomes weak and does not perform its pumping functions typically. Seniors can prevent heart disease by adjusting their lifestyle habits, avoiding a diet with too much cholesterol, and going for routine medical checkups.

4. Depression

Depression is a condition where an individual exhibits feelings of hopelessness, insufficient sleep, anxiety, loss of concentration, and withdrawal from social interactions. Depression mostly affects aging adults probably because they are lonely or scared of what life will be when they die. If your parent is exhibiting signs of depression, the best way to offer your support is through being there for them. You can help them recharge by talking to a geriatrician to recommend treatment solutions such as therapy.

An aging adult’s health is far more fragile, particularly when they already have chronic conditions. However, having a chronic condition cannot stop you from enjoying your sunset years. With minor lifestyle adjustments, proper diet, and geriatric medicine input, any aging adult can live a healthy life. To find out the types of services geriatricians offer, schedule an online consultation with your doctor today.

Edward Bertrand