There is no one-size-fits-all guide for aging, which can sometimes make it difficult to understand common health changes that may occur with aging and when it may be appropriate to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. By knowing more about common chronic illnesses seniors may experience, older people, their loved ones, and their caregivers can have more confidence in their healthcare and long-term care decisions.
What are Common Diseases & Chronic Conditions in Older Adults?
Below are common age-related health conditions that, when not appropriately managed, may impact quality of life and increase the likelihood of complications.
1. Urinary Tract Infections
Also called:
- UTIs
What It Is: A UTI is a bacterial infection that affects the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. If not properly evaluated and treated, urinary tract infections can sometimes lead to more serious complications.
Possible Symptoms: Difficulty urinating, pain while urinating, needing to urinate frequently, a fever, and vomiting are symptoms that should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Potential Causes & Risk Factors: Urinary incontinence, cognitive decline, diabetes, and sex (women are more likely to develop UTIs than men are) can all increase the risk of developing a UTI.
Possible Treatments: Healthcare providers often prescribe antibiotics and plenty of hydration to treat UTIs.
2. Cardiovascular Disease
Also called:
- CVD
- Heart disease
What It Is: Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions affecting the health of the heart and blood vessels, which can include heart failure and heart attacks. A major contributing factor to heart problems is the buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis) in the arteries. It is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Possible Symptoms: Nausea, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, and chest tightness can all potentially indicate heart disease.
Potential Causes & Risk Factors: Family history and genetics, high cholesterol, high blood pressure (hypertension), physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and untreated diabetes can all contribute to someone’s risk of developing CVD.
Possible Treatments: Lifestyle changes, like changes in diet and regular exercise, and medications are common treatments that doctors recommend for managing heart disease, although the exact treatment plan will vary based on the individual.
3. Alzheimer’s Disease
Also called:
- AD
What It Is: Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. It is a progressive disorder affecting the brain, and there is currently no cure.
Possible Symptoms: Cognitive impairment, memory loss, wandering in familiar locations, changes in behavior, and insomnia are all common symptoms of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
Potential Causes & Risk Factors: Age, family history and genetics, smoking, social isolation, depression, and hearing loss can all increase the odds that someone develops this condition.
Possible Treatments: There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, early evaluation and supportive care may help manage symptoms and support quality of life for the person living with dementia, their loved ones, and their caregivers. Treatments will vary based on the person’s symptoms and can include prescription medications, physical therapy, and mental stimulation (especially social engagement).
4. Breast Cancer
What It Is: Breast cancer is cancer that originates in breast tissue. It overwhelmingly affects women, although people of any sex can develop breast cancer.
Possible Symptoms: Lumps, breast pain, redness in the breasts, or dimpling of breast tissue are signs of potential breast cancer are symptoms that should be discussed with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Potential Causes & Risk Factors: Age, sex, and family history are the largest risk factors for developing breast cancer, with older women with a family history of breast cancer being more likely than any other group to develop this condition.
Possible Treatments: Breast cancer treatment depends on various factors, including the stage the cancer was discovered at, the exact type of breast cancer someone has, and more. Common treatments for early-stage breast cancer include radiation therapy and surgical removal of the cancerous tissue. Treatment for more advanced cancer can include chemotherapy.
5. Type 2 Diabetes
Also called:
- Maturity-onset diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
What It Is: Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body can no longer produce enough insulin or use insulin effectively enough to properly regulate blood sugar levels (blood glucose levels).
Possible Symptoms: Potential symptoms of diabetes can include an increased need to urinate, an increased sense of thirst, blurry vision, and fatigue.
Potential Causes & Risk Factors: Obesity, lack of physical activity, and age can all contribute to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
Possible Treatments: Management approaches for type 2 diabetes are individualized and may include lifestyle changes and medications as determined by a healthcare provider according to the CDC.
6. Chronic Kidney Disease
Also called:
- CKD
What It Is: Chronic kidney disease is a type of kidney disease where the kidneys are too damaged to process waste from blood. This damage means waste products build up in the body, leading to serious damage if left untreated.
Possible Symptoms: Potential signs of CKD include swelling of the ankles and feet, nausea, foamy urine, fatigue, an increase or decrease in the urge to urinate, and muscle cramps.
Potential Causes & Risk Factors: Family history, smoking, alcohol consumption, age, diabetes, and high blood pressure can all increase someone’s risk of developing this condition.
Possible Treatments: Treatment of CKD depends on the severity of the condition. Early-stage CKD can be managed through lifestyle changes like not smoking, enjoying a healthy diet, losing weight, and taking certain medications. In advanced cases, treatment options may include dialysis or kidney transplantation, depending on individual circumstances.
7. COVID-19
Also called:
- Coronavirus Disease 2019
What It Is: COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, most commonly called the coronavirus.
Possible Symptoms: Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary by individual and the exact strain of the virus someone is infected by. That said, common symptoms include fever, cough, loss of smell and taste, muscle pain, and shortness of breath.
Potential Causes & Risk Factors: Older adults, due to age-related changes to the immune system, are more susceptible to developing COVID-19 than other age groups. Furthermore, when they develop the condition, they are more likely to experience more severe symptoms.
Possible Treatments: Vaccines are one the best lines of defense against this condition. Aside from prevention, treatment options for COVID-19 in older adults include antiviral medications like ritonavir.
8. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Also called:
- COPD
What It Is: COPD is a common condition affecting the respiratory system that worsens over time. Major types of COPD include emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Possible Symptoms: COPD blocks airflow, which results in symptoms like coughing, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath.
Potential Causes & Risk Factors: Age and smoking, in particular, are the primary risk factors for developing COPD.
Possible Treatments: The single-best treatment for COPD is to quit smoking. Smoking cessation efforts may be complemented by pulmonary rehabilitation, regular vaccinations, and prescription medications, according to the CDC.
9. Prostate Cancer
What It Is: Prostate cancer is cancer affecting the prostate.
Possible Symptoms: Symptoms can vary by individual, and some people may experience no major symptoms at all, especially in the early stages. That said, people with prostate cancer have reported symptoms like pain, decreased urination, erectile dysfunction, and blood in the urine.
Potential Causes & Risk Factors: Age, race, family history, and genetics can all increase the odds that someone develops prostate cancer.
Possible Treatments: Treatment varies based on the exact type of prostate cancer someone has as well as the stage it was diagnosed at. Common treatment options for prostate cancers include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgical removal of the cancerous tissue, and hormone therapy.
10. Cerebrovascular Disease
What It Is: Cerebrovascular disease occurs when blood flow to the brain is impacted. Left untreated, it can lead to stroke, brain damage, brain hemorrhaging, and death.
Possible Symptoms: Changes in vision, confusion, issues with balance, and extreme headaches that suddenly appear are symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
Potential Causes & Risk Factors: High blood pressure, age, diabetes, high cholesterol, personal history of smoking, and excess weight can all increase the odds that someone develops cerebrovascular disease and experiences complications like stroke.
Possible Treatments: Emergency treatment for suspected complications of CVD, like stroke, are necessary. For long-term management of this condition, healthcare professionals may recommend certain medications and lifestyle changes.
Elderly Diseases FAQs
What are common diseases of the elderly?
Osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, cancer, heart disease, and dementia are diseases and conditions whose risk increases with age. Just because age increases the risk of these health issues, however, does not mean they will inevitably occur while aging, nor does it mean that younger people can never develop them.
What is the definition of a chronic condition?
A chronic condition is a health condition that tends to be long-lasting and often requires ongoing management. These conditions may or may not be curable and can impact daily life.
Which chronic diseases are associated with aging?
Common conditions that people associate with aging include Alzheimer’s disease, an overall decline in cognitive function, and diabetes. However, these health problems are not exclusive to older adults, and not all older people will develop these conditions.
What is the most common chronic disease in older adults in the U.S.?
High blood pressure is the most common chronic disease among older people in the United States. Left untreated, it can lead to complications like heart attack or stroke.
How can lifestyle changes help prevent or manage disease?
Lifestyle changes can help manage a wide variety of diseases that seniors and other age groups face. These changes may include eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, not smoking, reducing alcohol intake, getting enough sleep, and staying socially engaged and mentally stimulated. These changes can help people stay at a healthy weight; keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels within a normal range; and keep someone feeling fulfilled and mentally well, all of which can lower the risk of various conditions and diseases like diabetes, dementia, heart attack, stroke, and more.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Each individual’s health situation is unique. Readers should consult a licensed healthcare provider for guidance related to their personal health concerns.
Wendy Gores, RN