10 major causes of poor health after 60 years

Minimize the risk and maximize your well-being.


It is an unfortunate fact of life: health linked to health are more common as we age. But that does not mean that age -related diseases are inevitable. The main risk factors for many chronic diseases can be reduced thanks to simple lifestyle changes. The keys recognize what your vulnerabilities are and take measures to protect your good health. These are ten major causes of poor health after 60 years.

1
High blood pressure

Man getting his blood pressure taken.
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According to Harvard medical school , more than 70% of men over 55 have technically high blood pressure, defined as a measure greater than 120/80. Over time, high hydrometic pressure can damage blood vessels, increasing your chances of heart attack, stroke, erectile dysfunction, kidney problems and dementia - to name only a few. Have your blood pressure checked every year and follow your doctor's advice to improve it if necessary.

2
Obesity

Female doctor consulting with the overweight patient, discussing test result in doctor office. Obesity affecting middle-aged men's health. Concept of health risks of overwight and obesity.
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According to centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 41.5% of Americans over the age of 60 are obese. "Obesity conditions include heart disease, brain vascular accidents, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer", " said the CDC . "These are among the main causes of premature and premature death." Annual medical costs for obesity adults are $ 1,861 higher on average than medical costs for people with healthy weight.

3
Lower muscles and bones

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Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, a process called sarcopenia. After the age of 30, muscle mass decreases by around 3% to 5% per decade. Bone density also decreases, which can contribute to mobility problems and increased risk of falls. To protect themselves against this, experts recommend regular training in resistance, which strengthens both muscles and bones.

4
Weaken

A doctor listening to the heartbeat of a senior man by using a stethoscope
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The immune system weakens with age, which makes the elderly more sensitive to diseases. "Starting with the sixth decade of life, the human immune system is undergoing dramatic changes related to aging," said A 2016 study in the Annals of American thoracic society . "The aging immune system loses the ability to protect against infections and cancer and does not support the healing of appropriate wounds. Sensitive to immunity and inflammatory diseases." AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

5
Solitude

A senior man drinking a cup of coffee or tea from a mug while looking out the window
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Experts consider social isolation as an epidemic in people over 60 years of age. Studies have shown that being alone can have negative health effects Smoking 15 cigarettes per day And can increase the risk of the elderly to develop a dementia of 50%. Doctors believe that it is because socialization maintains the active brain and reduces stress, thus reducing the risk of everything, from Alzheimer's disease to heart disease and cancer.

6
Lack of exercise

Senior man looking out of window at home
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Experts recommend that adults from each age get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week. Unfortunately, only about 20% of us do it. Regular exercise is particularly important after 60 years - it reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, obesity, dementia and other serious health problems and can literally keep your body young.

7
Do not be vaccinated

A senior man receives a COVID-19 vaccine booster from healthcare workers
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Due to reduced immunity, the elderly have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill or to die of diseases that only afflict young people, including flu. The CDC recommends an annual flu and a photo of COVID-19 for everyone. Ask your health care provider on other routine vaccines that suit you, including those of the RSV, shingles and pneumococcal pneumonia.

8
Smoking

No Smoking Sign
Bokeh Bandin Foundation / Shutterstock

According to A CDC 2023 report , 8.3% of Americans over the age of 65, increasing their risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and pulmonary disease. "Regardless of your age or how long you smoke, quit smoking at any time improves your health," said the National Health Institutes . "When you leave, you are likely to add years to your life, breathe more easily, have more energy and save money."

9
Drinking too much alcohol

A group of senior women sitting at a table drinking beer together
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Studies have shown that the elderly drink more than ever. Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and at least seven Types of cancer, the incidence of which increases all with age.

10
Hear and loss of vision

close up of older woman rubbing eyes holding glasses
Fizkes / Shutterstock

According to a United Kingdom study , the untreated hearing loss was associated with a risk of dementia of 42% compared to people with normal hearing. And research Published in Jama internal medicine have found that the elderly who have abolished cataracts are almost 30% less likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. A person who has trouble seeing or hearing is less likely to keep an active mind while reading, watching films and television, playing games and socializing with others.

12
An unhealthy lifestyle

A group of senior men drinking beer at a bar
Dropout

A study published in Plos medication have found that, after a healthy lifestyle - observe the guidelines on smoking, alcohol consumption, weight, diet and exercise - can reduce your risk of cognitive impairment by 55%. This is true even in people with an increased genetic risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and "even among the oldest," said researchers.


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