As you age, priorities for seniors change due to facing unique health challenges. This makes it essential to adjustment your habits if you are to maintain our healthy lifespan . By understanding and addressing some common chronic conditions, you can proactively protect your health and well-being as you grow older.
In today’s America, life expectancy is climbing due to scientific breakthroughs and a better understanding of aging. Upon turning 65, seniors face distinct priorities. CDC statistics show an average additional lifespan of 19.3 years. Age is not a guarantee of illness. Navigating senior living means managing chronic conditions for well-being. Embracing the Mediterranean Diet and Blue Zone Principles can extend lifespan.
Opting for healthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking cessation and weight management, holds the key to sidestepping prevalent health risks associated with aging. Dr. Jeanne Wei, MD, PhD, Executive Director of the Reynolds Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity and balanced nutrition in maintaining optimal health. Moreover, integrating a geriatrician—a specialist in age-related health concerns—into your healthcare team can offer invaluable insights into effectively managing and prioritizing proactive healthcare strategies to prevent chronic illnesses.
By prioritizing proactive healthcare strategies, you can join the ranks of the 41 percent of individuals aged 65 and above who report excellent or very good health status, according to the CDC.
Genetics significantly influences longevity and susceptibility to certain illnesses, contributing to about 20-30% of lifespan. It’s also a key factor in conditions like cancer and heart disease, but lifestyle choices like diet and exercise play a larger role in most illnesses.
Priorities for seniors should include adopting a lifestyle that incorporates more fruits, vegetables, and grains while reducing sugars, processed foods such as meats, carbohydrates and dairy can have a positive impact on preventing and in many instances reducing many health concerns.
Health concerns of seniors that can be prevented or reduced are:
- Arthritis
- Heart Disease
- Cancer
- Respiratory Diseases
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Influenza and Pneumonia
- Falls
- Substance Abuse
- Obesity
- Depression
- Oral Health
- Shingles
- Finances
