Common Health Conditions That Come With Aging 

Aging has benefits worth considering. You get to set clearer priorities and care less about what others think about you, for starters. Moreover, it's not unusual for older citizens to have higher feelings of self-worth. Additionally, you are less likely to be affected by negative surroundings. Research indicates that older individuals are likelier to regulate their emotions and maintain a more optimistic outlook on life. Despite these benefits, aging usually comes with certain health conditions. However, they can be effectively managed with the right steps. Here are some health issues to look out for as you age.

1. Osteoarthritis (OA)

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Osteoarthritis is also referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. Although it affects people in all age ranges, it's more common among older adults. The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance estimates that 43% of people with the condition are 65 and older. You should also note that older women tend to develop osteoarthritis more than men, so keep this in mind. OA can attack any joint, although it normally occurs in the spine, hips, knees, fingers, shoulders, and hands. While age is a substantial risk factor for developing the disease, people with a family history of OA are likelier to develop it.

Common symptoms include joint stiffness and pain, inflammation, bone spurs, flexibility loss, and popping sounds when moving the joints. Fortunately, you can avoid dealing with OA with the right steps. For instance, you'll find it helpful to consume foods rich in calcium and limit your alcohol and caffeine intake. Strength training exercises also effectively limit your risks of developing OA, so keep this in mind. If you already have OA, you can manage the symptoms with medications like NSAIDs, topical pain relievers, etc. Adopting a healthier lifestyle and leveraging heat and cold therapy is also helpful, so keep this in mind.

2. Dementia
Dementia refers to the degeneration of cognitive function and is diagnosed when two or more brain functions are impaired. It can affect judgment, memory, thinking, language and behavior. The CDC indicates that dementia isn't a disease but a general term for the inability to remember things or make decisions that affect your life daily. It is also characterized by confusion, mood swings, loss of interest in hobbies, and inability to cope with changes. It is mostly caused by neurodegenerative illnesses like Alzheimer's disease, brain tumors, and structural brain disorders.

Although it's common among older people, it's not a normal part of aging. The CDC indicates that 40% of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed. That said, it's essential to make efforts to protect your brain health as you age. You can achieve this by being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure level. It's also helpful to consume healthy meals and get adequate sleep, so keep this in mind.

3. Age-related hearing loss

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Another common health issue among adults is age-related hearing loss, the gradual loss of auditory function as you age. It is common among people aged 65 to 74 and can affect daily activities. People with this condition can find it challenging to converse with family and friends, leading to isolation. It can also make it difficult to follow the doctor's advice, heed warnings, etc. Fortunately, age-related hearing loss can be managed without treatments such as hearing aids. However, do you need a hearing aid? You can consult a credible hearing care provider for the best treatments.