Common Health Problems in Elderly People

As we get older, our body organs become old and lose their function. This means that we are prone to health problems like age-related disease and conditions.

Common health problems in elderly

Among the most important issues for elderly people to be aware of are:

Mental health (around 15%)

The aging process has its effect on the mental health of a person. Elderly people are more prone to developing Alzheimer's disease, depression and anxiety than younger adults.

Obesity: Seniors should eat a healthy diet and avoid weight gain, which can increase the risk of obesity related diseases and health issues.

Osteoporosis: Low bone density is a major issue for seniors, and it is a risk factor for falls that could lead to disability or death.

Personal Alarms NZ Diabetes: About one in nine adults over the age of 65 has type 2 diabetes, and women are twice as likely to have it than men.

Depression: Seniors are less likely to report depression than younger adults, but it's important that they recognise and get support for this issue.

Incontinence: Having difficulty with incontinence is a very common problem in the elderly, and it can be embarrassing and cause a lot of distress to a person.

Pain: Many senior adults complain about chronic pain and it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed.

Managing chronic medical conditions can be challenging, and the elderly need to have a chronic care management team that can help them achieve their goals and maintain their quality of life.