The Top 5 Chronic Conditions in Older Adults and How To Manage Them

In recent years, Americans have become more aware of the value of staying physically active and mentally engaged as they age. We get lots of information in the news and from our doctors aimed at helping us avoid illness and live better for longer.

Yet, there’s both bad news and good news about avoiding illness. The bad news? “Age, family genetics, and gender make it nearly impossible for older adults to avoid becoming a chronic disease statistic,” reports the National Council on Aging (NCOA). In fact, “80% of adults 65 and older have at least one condition, while 68% have two or more.” Chronic diseases can cause pain, affect our mental health, and limit our activities.

Managing a Chronic Condition for Quality of Life

The good news? We have ways to manage chronic diseases and conditions, with lifestyle choices like exercise and healthy eating, taking prescription medications, or using other approaches. In fact, people living with chronic conditions today can enjoy a higher quality of life and more independence than they might have a couple of generations ago.

According to the NCOA, the five most common chronic conditions for adults age 65 and older are hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, arthritis, ischemic/coronary heart disease, and diabetes. Research and experience have shown that people with these conditions can do things to manage their effects.

How To Cope With a Chronic Condition

The most common and obvious ways to cope with chronic diseases are eating well and getting regular exercise. Before you make any changes, talk to your doctor about both. Your doctor will likely encourage you to look into the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products while reducing sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol intake. Also, talk to your doctor about what types of exercise are right for you.

Here are more of the typical tips experts advise for managing the five top chronic conditions.

1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):

• Limit your consumption of salt and alcohol.
• Monitor your blood pressure. Use a blood pressure monitor and keep a record of the readings to show your doctor.
• Maintain a healthy weight. According to the NCOA, “Losing just 10 pounds can reduce blood pressure.”

2. High Cholesterol:

• Don’t smoke. Smoking can increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and decrease HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
• Limit your alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
• Cut saturated fats and trans fats from your diet.

3. Arthritis:

• Get enough rest. “Rest is important when your disease is active, and your joints feel painful, swollen or stiff,” advises the Arthritis Foundation.
• Consider acupuncture. Studies have shown acupuncture reduces some types of arthritis pain.
• Try applying heat or cold to the joint. Either or both may work for you—it varies greatly by individual.

4. Ischemic/Coronary Heart Disease:

• Cut saturated fats and trans fats from your diet. These contain cholesterol, which can worsen heart disease.
• Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
• Manage your stress. Extreme stress can be a trigger for a heart attack.

5. Diabetes:

• Test your blood sugar often.
• Brush your teeth and floss every day to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy.
• Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots and swelling. Call your health care team right away about any sores that do not go away.

When You Take Medication for Multiple Conditions

Individuals with more than one of these chronic conditions may need to take multiple prescription drugs (this is called polypharmacy). Discuss this carefully with your doctor, and be sure to understand how each medication works and how they might interact with each other. Your pharmacist can also answer any questions you have.

How Right at Home Can Help

Professional in-home care is a valuable resource for successfully managing chronic conditions. Right at Home offers a wide range of in-home care services. Our caregivers can provide transportation to doctor appointments, help keep track of medications, and be alert for any signs of side effects. They can also help with ambulation and hygiene as needed. Use our office locator to find your local Right at Home and ask for a FREE care consultation today.