Exceeding the age of 50 is not a magical turning point that separates a healthy life from a series of diseases and ailments. However, it cannot be denied that at this age we are at risk of diseases that have not affected us so far. All thanks to the changes that occur in the body over time. Here are the five most common ailments most 50-year-olds struggle with.
- One of the most common diseases diagnosed in 50-year-olds is hypertension and heart disease
- Intellectual and cognitive abilities also deteriorate over time, which are harmless in most cases, but may also be the first sign of dementia
- Many people over 50 also struggle with hearing loss and rheumatic problems. This is closely related to the changes that occur in the aging process of the body
- More information can be found on the Onet homepage
High blood pressure
According to the Cleveland Clinic data, after the age of 50, the risk of hypertension is as high as 90%. Fortunately, high blood pressure is not as big a challenge for medicine as it was several years ago. “Your doctor will definitely choose the right drugs for you,” says Dr. Samuel Durso, director of the Johns Hopkins Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology Department. «Doctors often prescribe more than one drug to monitor blood pressure. You may need medications that work by several different mechanisms. It is also possible to prescribe lower doses or combine two or three substances to minimize side effects, ”he adds.
It’s a good idea to measure your blood pressure regularly. You can do it yourself at home thanks to a simple device with the function of detecting cardiac arrhythmias. You can find an upper arm blood pressure monitor at Medonet Market.
Heart diseases
In the United States in 2011-2016 mortality from heart disease in the age group 45 to 60 by 1,5%. «That’s 129 400 more deaths per year among adults under 65 – people in the prime of working and family age »- points out Dr. Amit Khera. The expert adds that more emphasis is still needed on the prevention of heart disease, because medicine still too often focuses on treatment, not prevention. “We are not doing enough to help patients avoid pulmonary embolism, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and promote a healthy lifestyle,” he admits.
Hearing loss
Hearing loss is a condition that is closely related to age – the first disorders may appear after the age of 40. Partial hearing loss, which is closely related to communication and cognitive abilities, greatly affects psychological well-being and can even lead to depression. It is worth remembering that for people of this age there are programs in which you can perform a hearing screening test for free. Rapid diagnosis is a greater chance to reduce the effects of hearing loss by, for example, wearing hearing aids or other devices that support the sense of hearing.
The rest of the text below the video.
Problems with memory
It is often a gentle and harmless forgetting of names and names of objects and trouble concentrating on any activity for longer. Memory impairment is a natural sign of the aging process that affects the entire body, including the brain and its structures. However, it is worth being vigilant and monitoring the frequency and extent of these symptoms as they may be the first sign of dementia.
Rheumatic diseases
First of all, osteoporosis, but also any degenerative changes in joints, RA and other chronic rheumatic pains. The ailments and conditions in this category are the result of bone density that decreases with age. Injuries, such as fractures, that occur at this age are particularly dangerous – they may herald serious motor problems, so they should be consulted in detail with a doctor each time. Performing appropriate imaging tests will allow you to monitor the condition of bones and joints so that they remain functional as long as possible.
We encourage you to listen to the latest episode of the RESET podcast. This time our guest is Marek Rybiec – businessman, as one of 78 people from all over the world, he completed «4 Deserts» – ultramarathon taking place in extreme places around the world. She talks to Aleksandra Brzozowska about the challenge, mental strength and mindfulness training. Listen!