If you do get sick, first call a healthcare professional. United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that 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. It can come back as shingles when you’re an adult. In addition, simultaneous outbreaks of flu and COVID-19 would overwhelm the already stressed US healthcare system. Join the fight against infectious diseases. Why Covid-19 is so dangerous for older adults. In the United States, lead poisoning most often affects children between one and three years old. Obesity is an important senior health risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer — all chronic conditions that impact quality of life. Take steps now to ensure a healthful future. According to the CDC, 25 percent of adults over 65 have no natural teeth. Plus Other FAQs About Life Expectancy, More Americans Dying From Fall-Related Brain Injuries. That’s more than any other age group. 1. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. If caught early through screenings, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and skin checks, many types of cancer are treatable. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. This means you will need to plan ahead. Older people and people with chronic illness are at greater risk, and how we respond to the threat affects everyone. Read the FDA warning. Each year, 2.5 million people ages 65 and older are treated in emergency departments because of falls, according to the CDC. In adults, emergency warning signs include: Note: This resource is based on content developed jointly by NFID and the Alliance for Aging Research, reflecting the latest  information about COVID-19. Eighty percent of adults 65 and older have at least one chronic condition, while 68% have two or more. Lead poisoning affects adults less often than children. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking important steps to waive cost-sharing for COVID-19-related testing and treatment to ensure all patients who need it have access to care. One of the best ways to protect yourself from many common ear diseases is … Remember to cover your nose and mouth with a face covering, stay vigilant with handwashing, and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose since COVID-19 can remain on certain surfaces for hours and in some cases, days. The CDC also reports that 28 percent of men and 21 percent of women over age 65 are living with cancer. Making healthy lifestyle choices, like quitting smoking and losing weight, can help you avoid senior health risks, though “you also need to be physically active and eat a healthy diet," explains Jeanne Wei, MD, PhD, executive director of the Reynolds Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. Here are some important but simple steps you can take in preparing to remain at home for an extended period: Ask your physician or local pharmacy if ordering your medicines online is an option. Most of … Others may require a blood draw. However, only order from a reputable online pharmacy. There are other symptoms that are not as common—like a rash or discoloration of the hands or feet—that may be a sign of COVID-19 so contact your healthcare professional if you are concerned. The same recommendations for people at risk should be adhered to by everyone to help protect the more vulnerable in our communities. Although the flu and pneumonia aren’t chronic conditions, these infections are among the top eight causes of death in people over age 65, according to the CDC. 7201 Wisconsin Avenue In 2013, 45 percent of adults ages 65 and older had incomes below the poverty level, according to a 2015 Kaiser Family Foundation report. Nursing homes and retirement and long-term care facilities should continue to limit all visitors, including social visits. As the numbers on the scale increase, so does the risk for disease. CMS is also working with private plans to waive prescription drug refill limits and to relax restrictions on home or mail delivery of prescription drugs. Chronic lower respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , are the third most common cause of death among people 65 and older… Experts are concerned that individuals who get sick with flu or pneumonia, while sick with COVID-19, will have worse outcomes and will be at higher risk of death. Not everyone with COVID-19 will experience symptoms, or symptoms may be mild enough that they are dismissed, but individuals may still be contagious without symptoms. Remember that bout of chicken pox you had as a kid? Although having a chronic respiratory disease increases senior health risks, making you more vulnerable to pneumonia and other infections, getting lung function tests and taking the correct medication, or using oxygen as instructed, will go a long way toward preserving senior health and your quality of life. According to the CDC, heart disease remains the leading killer of adults over age 65, accounting for 489,722 deaths in 2014. The risk for falls requiring emergency room care increases with age. Getting older can bring senior health challenges. This is because our immune systems grow weaker as we age, which makes it more challenging for older adults to fight off infectious diseases. There is a vaccine available, so talk to your doctor about it. Senior healthcare recommendations include getting an annual flu shot, and getting the pneumonia vaccine if recommended by your doctor, to prevent these infections and their life-threatening complications. Photo by Pressmaster / Shutterstock.com. Many online pharmacies (including national chains) will fill valid prescriptions and ship them directly to your door allowing you to avoid going to the pharmacy in person. Chronic diseases can be common in the U.S. population (e.g., heart disease, the leading cause of death), relatively rare (e.g., cystic fibrosis, which affects approximately 30,000 Americans), or represent a growing medical problem (e.g., type 2 diabetes and obesity). The disease is not contagious, meaning it cannot be passed from person to person. The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association says one in five people in the U.S. has one of these disorders. The truth is most diseases and conditions are treatable and should be addressed by a physician. For older adults and adults with underlying health conditions, CDC advises taking extra measures to put distance between yourself and others including: Until there are licensed vaccines widely available in the US to prevent COVID-19, you should still ensure that you and your family are up to date on all recommended vaccines, including influenza (flu) and pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccines. As people age, they're increasingly living with risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, that increase the chances of having a stroke or developing heart disease. If you think you may have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who had COVID-19, contact a healthcare professional or the public health department to see if you are eligible for a COVID test and where to go if you are. A study titled Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: 2009 and 2010 estimates that 47.2 percent, or 64.7 million American adults, have mild, moderate or severe periodontitis, the more advanced form of periodontal disease. Gatherings where social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart) is not possible. These are the nation’s leading drivers of illness, disability, deaths, and health care costs. In 1900, life expectancy in the United States was 47.3 years; in 2017, it was 78.6. What’s more, they estimate that by the year 2020 that number will rise to 64.4 million. If your loved ones live alone, check on them frequently and find out what services your local Area Agency on Aging offers. And, one-third of people who go to the emergency room for a fall may find themselves there again within one year, according to a study published in August 2015 in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine. You may need to ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, community health workers, and others if you become sick. Common Questions and Answers About COVID-19 for Older Adults and People with Chronic Health Conditions The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and the Alliance for Aging Research developed this resource on COVID-19 for older adults and people with underlying health conditions. The CDC estimates that 25 percent of people ages 65 and older are living with diabetes, a significant senior health risk. Diabetes can be identified and addressed early with simple blood tests for blood sugar levels. In the last 20 years, statistics show the number of children with potentially harmful blood lead levels has dropped 85 percent. The leading causes of death among older adults in the U.S. are chronic diseases—heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. The term chronic is often applied when the course of the disease lasts for more than three months. How Tech Is Helping More People Age at Home, New Research Finds Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements Can Reduce Fracture Risk, How Helping Young Adults With Autism Keeps One 84-Year-Old Happy and Healthy, How Home Sharing Offers Seniors Health, Financial Benefits, How Long Can I Expect to Live? Most G.F.R. Most Common Chronic Conditions of the Elderly There is a common misconception that chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis are just “part of growing old” and nothing can be done about them. Chronic diseases are also more common with age, and can compromise the immune system, making older adults more vulnerable to serious complications. The CDC estimates that it affects 49.7 percent of all adults over 65 and can lead to pain and lower quality of life for some seniors. Here’s why the numbers have gone up, plus advice from medical experts... Track the Vax: Behind the Scenes of Johnson & Johnson’s Entry in the Race to Beat COVID-19, Exercise, Not Testosterone Therapy, Improves Artery Health in Middle-Aged and Older Men, Tippi Coronavirus: Tips for Living With COVID-19. Any indoor gatherings where masks are not required/used, Cruise ships (Note that major cruise lines have suspended trips and others are restricting passengers over the age of 70). readings that fall below 60 in older adults remain in the 45 to 59 range, considered a modest reduction in kidney function. Suite 750 The most common mental and neurological disorders in this age group are dementia and depression, which affect approximately 5% and 7% of the world’s older population, respectively. They are also leading drivers of the nation’s $3.8 trillion in annual health care costs. An analysis of data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions suggests that one in five people over 65 have had a substance or alcohol abuse problem at some point in their lives. Alzheimer’s disease accounted for 92,604 deaths of people over age 65 in 2014, according to the CDC. “Arthritis is probably the number one condition that people 65 or older contend with,” says geriatrician Marie Bernard, MD, deputy director of the National Institute on Aging in Bethesda, Maryland. Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter! According to CDC data, diabetes caused 54,161 deaths among adults over age 65 in 2014. Age brings a higher risk of chronic diseases such as dimentias, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. The cause of common noncancerous growths is unclear, and even though enlargement may occur over time, most growths are benign. The sooner you know that you have or are at risk for diabetes, the sooner you can start making changes to control the disease and improve your long-term senior health outlook. Once you make it to 65, the data suggest that you can live another 19.3 years, on average, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It may also be transmitted when you touch a surface or object with the virus on it, then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. Take hand sanitizer when you go out and use when soap and water are not available, Use proper handwashing techniques—using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or using the bathroom. If you or a loved one needs help, contact your local public health department to connect with caregiving services. Healthy teeth and gums are important not just for a pretty smile and easy eating, but also for overall senior health. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or fingers if you must touch shared surfaces. The most accurate way to measure how much vitamin D is in your body is the 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test. Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans will cover lab tests for COVID-19 with no out-of-pocket costs, any necessary hospital care, and telehealth services including virtual check-ins and full visits for those living in rural areas. RELATED: 6 Ways Your Body Gets Better With Age. Experts are concerned that individuals who get sick with flu or pneumonia, while sick with COVID-19, will have worse outcomes and will be at higher risk of death. Heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes are among the most common and costly chronic … Then you too can be among the 41 percent of people over 65 who say their health is very good or excellent, according to the CDC. Chronic diseases generally cannot be prevented by vaccines or cured by medication, nor do they just disappear. It usually affects only one side of your body, starting out with severe pain or tingling and then developing into an itchy rash and possibly blisters. Seniors are more vulnerable to these diseases and less able to fight them off. From apps to modify your environment to telemedicine platforms, technology is making it easier and safer to age in place. If you or someone you know is struggling to manage a chronic illness, the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program may be able to help. Also, be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (fever reducers, tissues, hydrating beverages, etc.) A threat to senior health, depression can lower immunity and can compromise a person’s ability to fight infections. Poverty affects senior health if you're unable to afford doctor visits, medication for chronic conditions, and other essential senior healthcare needs. Alcohol and tobacco topped the list of nonmedical substances abused by survey participants. COVID-19 has been detected in more than 200 countries, including the US. Dr. Bernard’s advice for addressing this senior health risk not only helps with heart disease but can improve senior health across the board: “Exercise, eat well, get a good night’s rest. Unless you need immediate medical care, you should stay at home to avoid spreading your illness. Businesses, schools, and local and federal government should all work together to mitigate community spread of COVID-19 and help protect older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Learn more about the benefits of, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Food and Drug Administration, Common Questions and Answers About COVID-19 for Older Adults and People with Chronic Health Conditions. You can still exercise even if you have a health condition like heart disease, arthritis, chronic pain, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Most major grocery chains have made it possible to order groceries online and have them delivered to your door. Most of these hours are earlier in the day and offer a chance for older adults to shop without as much exposure. Restrictions and recommendations vary by state and city but generally, it is best to avoid. It is important to avoid people who may be infected. However, reoccurrence is frequent, ranging from a 20-44% likelihood within one year for those employed and aged between 15-64 years old. Also be aware that most falls occur in the home, where tripping hazards include area rugs and slippery bathroom floors, according to a study published in January 2013 in the Journal of Injury and Violence Research. Have enough basic household items and groceries on hand so you are prepared to stay at home for an extended period of time. © 1996-2021 Everyday Health, Inc. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Note that COVID-19 tests that detect active infection will not detect previous infection or antibodies. As a chronic condition, heart disease affects 37 percent of men and 26 percent of women 65 and older, according to the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. If you have questions, call a healthcare professional. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns consumers about rogue online pharmacies that claim to sell prescription medicines at deeply discounted prices. Because of the rapid spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC) has issued guidance for people who are at the highest risk for severe illness from the virus. Bethesda, MD 20814 Call 911 and seek emergency care if you or a loved one have trouble breathing, feel pain or pressure in the chest, experience new confusion, are unable to wake or stay awake, have bluish lips or face, or think you may need immediate care. Of the adults between 65 and 74, 36.2 percent of men and 40.7 percent of women are obese — meaning that their body mass index is greater than or equal to 30 — according to the CDC. There are a number of different tests, some involving swabbing the nose and throat, while others required taking samples of saliva. There are other routine diseases, however, that you can take steps to avoid. Nationwide programs provide companionship and support for people who choose to age in place or who have special needs. Including a geriatrician, a doctor who specializes in the health concerns of aging, on your senior healthcare team can help you learn how to live better with any chronic diseases. Some of the most common ear diseases in adults — such as age-related hearing loss — are not usually preventable. “Osteoporosis can contribute to becoming less mobile and potentially disabled should you fall and have a fracture or as the vertebral bodies collapse,” Bernard said. Stay in touch with others by phone or email. Still, experts acknowledge that cognitive impairment has a significant impact on senior health across the spectrum, from issues of safety and self-care to the cost burden of care, either in the home or a residential facility. Wearing a mask whenever you go out—especially in settings where social distancing is not possible. COPD is the result of damage to the lungs from smoking cigarettes or by breathing in second-hand smoke or other lung irritants—such as air pollution, chemical fumes, or dusts. Chronic diseases are also more common with age, and can compromise the immune system, making older adults more vulnerable to serious complications. According to the National Council on Aging, about 92 percent of seniors have at least one chronic disease and 77 percent have at least two. Eighty-eight percent of Americans over 65 years of age have at least one chronic health condition (as of 1998). It can also be a signal that an older adult isn’t as active or mobile as he or she once was. One-half of all working Americans, which equates to around 80 million, admit to having back pain symptoms each year.. 95% of those suffering will recover within a few months, with only 5% developing chronic LBP (i.e pain that lasts for 3 months or longer).. Although arthritis can discourage you from being active, it’s important to work with your doctor to develop a personalized activity plan that, along with other treatment, can help maintain senior health. A chronic condition is a human health condition or disease that is persistent or otherwise long-lasting in its effects or a disease that comes with time. Beverly Ficon says it never occurred to her to retire. Seniors with 12 chronic conditions are especially vulnerable to ending up hospitalized for COVID-19, according to newly updated data from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).. CMS says that more than 1.9 million Medicare beneficiaries were diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, between … Cloth masks can keep people from spreading the virus through talking, coughing, or sneezing, even among those who may not realize they are carrying the disease. A level of 20 nanograms/milliliter to 50 ng/mL is considered adequate for healthy people. Chronic health conditions. Older adults and those with underlying health conditions that can put them at increased risk should stay home to avoid being around others. In adults 65 and older, prevalence rates increase to 70.1 percent. Older women are slightly more likely than men to be living in poverty, and that gap widens in those over 80. In addition to treatment with medication and therapy, other ways to improve senior living might be to increase physical activity — 59.4 percent of adults 65 and older don’t meet CDC recommendations for exercise— or to interact socially more — seniors report spending just 8 to 11 percent of their free time with family and friends, according to the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. Cancer is the second leading cause of death among people over age 65, with 413,885 deaths in 2014, according to the CDC. For many, then, senior living includes carefully managing chronic conditions in order to stay healthy. In fact, physical activity may help. And she may just have the right idea when it comes to staying vital as an older American. All information on this site is for general purposes only, is based on US recommendations, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Mercury poisoning is unusual in children. Studies show that people can spread the virus before they have symptoms, or even if they are infected but never develop symptoms. According to the American Psychological Association, 15 to 20 percent of Americans over 65 have experienced depression. to treat fever and other symptoms. Keep in mind, however, that many of these services are experiencing delays due to the high volume of people choosing the safety of online ordering rather than in-person shopping. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in humans and can cause illnesses ranging from mild respiratory infections like the common cold to serious illnesses, such as pneumonia or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Here are the 14 most common ones … People in America today can expect to live longer than ever before. Avoid handshakes and touching high-traffic surfaces in public places—for example, elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, or counters. To diagnose a potential case, healthcare professionals may run tests to rule out influenza and other common infections. Among people 65 and older, about 10 percent of men and 13 percent of women are living with asthma, and 10 percent of men and 11 percent of women are living with chronic bronchitis or emphysema, according to the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that 54 million Americans over age 50 are affected by low bone mass or osteoporosis, putting them at risk for a fracture or break that could lead to poor senior health and reduced quality of life. A chronic disease is one lasting 3 months or more, by the definition of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. Check the websites of local or national grocery stores that may allow you to select your items online and then arrange for shipping. Eating well means eating in a fashion that will allow you to keep a healthy weight with a well-balanced and healthy diet.". In older adults, Streptococcus pneumoniae is still the most common cause of pneumonia, followed by respiratory viruses, Haemophilus influenzae, … Substance and alcohol abuse are a concern for senior health because of possible interactions with prescription medication, their impact on overall health, and the increased senior health risks, such as falls, associated with intoxication. According to the National Institutes of Health, one out of three people over 60 will get shingles, and 50 percent of all Americans will experience it before they’re 80. COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly between people in close contact with one another through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes. 301.656.0003. Learn more about the most common chronic medical conditions and how you can prevent or manage them. Not all healthcare facilities are able to test for COVID-19. And though you're not always able to prevent cancer, you can improve your quality of life as a senior living with cancer, including during treatment, by working with your medical team and maintaining their healthy senior living recommendations. Many chronic diseases are caused by a short list of risk behaviors: Tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. Chronic disease: A disease that persists for a long time. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are most common in adults 60 and older… Because of the rapid spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidance for people who are at the highest risk for severe illness from the virus. In addition, simultaneous outbreaks of flu and COVID-19 would overwhelm the already stressed US healthcare system. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Chronic lower respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are the third most common cause of death among people 65 and older, with 124,693 deaths in 2014, according to the CDC. Single older adults are also significantly more likely to live alone with fewer resources. A meta-analysis indicates taking vitamin D alone has no benefit in preventing fractures. For most older adults, physical activities like brisk walking, riding a bike, swimming, weightlifting, and gardening are … If you are a caregiver for someone in a long-term care facility, respect their rules on who can come and go, ask about the health of the other residents frequently, and know the plan if there is an outbreak. The main symptoms of COVID-19, which may appear between 2 to 14 days after exposure, can include: fever or chills, coughing, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. If you have questions or concerns about the delivery timeline, speak to a customer service representative. Everyone has a role to play in reducing community spread. As you age, your mouth tends to become dryer and cavities are more difficult to prevent, so proper oral health care, including regular dental checkups, should be a senior healthcare priority, Dr. Wei said. Most chronic diseases and conditions affect one or more organs. By being aware of these common chronic conditions, you can take steps to stave off disease as you age. Learn more about the benefits of influenza and pneumonia vaccination. This website is designed to provide education to the public and healthcare professionals about the burden, causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases across the lifespan. If you must go out for groceries, try to find a local grocery store that offers hours just for older adults. It is imperative that older adults and others who are at high risk follow the advice of CDC. If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, call 911 and get medical attention immediately. This number takes into account available financial resources, liabilities such as taxes, value benefits like food stamps, out-of-pocket medical expenses, geographic variations in housing expenses, and other factors. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Determine who can provide you with care if your caregiver gets sick. Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, and mouth as much as possible, Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, New confusion or inability to arouse and/or. Approximately 85 percent of older adults have at least one chronic health condition, and 60 percent have at least two chronic conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.For many older people, coping with multiple chronic conditions is a real challenge. Most of the time, COPD is diagnosed in middle-aged or older adults. Older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer, and hypertension are at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness and death.
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