Avoid These 5 Common Degenerative Diseases In Old Age

104 Years Old Lady Grandma Pensioner Old Age Hands

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Want to preserve your health long into old age? Some of the most common ailments that senior people face can be prevented by making the right lifestyle choices. Here are five of the top degenerative diseases that affect elderly and how you can ward these diseases off so you’re able to keep enjoying life as you get older.

Arthritis

Arthritis occurs when the cartilage in our joints wears away causing our bones to rub against one another. There are many reasons why someone may develop arthritis. It’s usually the result of putting too much pressure on a particular joint. Being overweight can put a lot of pressure on the hips and knees, wearing away the cartilage and causing arthritis in these joints. Wearing high heels can similarly affect these areas by forcing the body into an unnatural walking position. High impact exercises can also damage joints if precautions are not taken. Running can often affect the knees, however wearing running shoes can reduce the risk. While there is no obvious cure for arthritis, studies have suggested that the use of products such as CBD can help reduce pain for people that suffer from the disease. Products of this nature can be found at places like MagnoliaWellness.ca, which may be worth taking a look at if you are affected by arthritis.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes thinning of the bones. The most common osteoporosis symptoms include receding gums, brittle fingernails and more frequent bone fractures. It’s believed that regular weight-bearing exercise can help prevent this disease, as well as a calcium-rich diet involving foods such as dairy products, leafy greens and fish. It’s best to consult a professional, like this dentist in Tallahassee, if you are suffering from bleeding gums, as it can be a symptom of other illnesses as well. In the same sense, you should visit a doctor if you are experiencing frequent bone fractures.

Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes causes blood sugar levels to rise dramatically resulting in blurred vision, excessive thirst, fatigue and frequent urination. It can also affect the body’s ability to heal. A healthy diet can prevent diabetes from taking hold. Lots of sugary snacks and refined carbs can encourage diabetes, so try to consume less of these foods. You may also want to try some new foods that can be healthy sugar alternatives for the elderly in trying to decrease the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that largely results in the loss of short term memory. This is caused by brain cells dying rapidly over a long course of time. Scientists are unsure of the exact causes of Alzheimer’s disease – in some cases it can be genetic. Many lifestyle choices have been linked with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s such as regular exercise and a healthy diet of organic foods. A desire to keep learning and lots of social engagement have also been linked with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the result of plaque building up in the arteries leading potentially to strokes and heart attacks. Whilst it may be a genetic defect, heart disease is most commonly caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices. A diet involving lots of processed fats and a lack of exercise is likely to encourage heart disease. Smoking and heavy drinking meanwhile can also contribute to heart disease too. Another factor to consider is stress which causes an unhealthy build-up of white blood cells to occur in the arteries also leading to heart problems. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting bad habits and limiting stress could all lower your chances of developing heart disease.