1. Heart Disease is the Most Common Disease of the Elderly
According to the Center for Disease Control, 88 percent of Americans over the age of 65 will suffer from at least one disease. Common diseases of the elderly are heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and cancer. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among the elderly. Fortunately, heart disease can usually be treated with surgery, pacemakers or prescriptions medications. Also, changes in diet and lifestyle can help. You can discuss all of these options with your doctor. It is also important for the elderly to ask their doctor whether they are at risk for heart disease or any other diseases.
2. Suffering From More Than One Disease is Common
An elderly woman can experience arthritis, heart disease and osteoporosis. An elderly man may have Parkinson's disease, high cholesterol and prostate cancer. Dealing with multiple diseases may make it difficult to distinguish which symptoms or problems are being caused by which disease. This can make it difficult for a doctor to diagnose and treat diseases in the elderly. Talking to your doctor about all current and past diseases can help a doctor provide the best possible care.
3. Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet
Elderly people can't always communicate about their diseases. Any time an elderly person is receiving medical treatment, especially in an emergency situation, it is important for a health care provider to understand any current medical problems. A medical alert bracelet can inform health care providers of an elderly person's diseases and help ensure the patient receives the appropriate care.
4. Monitor Prescription Intake
Elderly people often take more than one prescription for their diseases. It is important to tell the doctor and pharmacist all of the prescriptions an elderly person takes. Some prescriptions shouldn't be taken together. Mixing the wrong prescriptions can cause health problems and even death. Carry a list of current prescriptions and any allergies to all doctor's appointments to remind the doctor before the doctor prescribes any new medications. Also double-check with your pharmacist before you begin taking a new medication.
5. Living a Healthy Lifestyle Can Help
Eating a balanced diet and getting some physical activity every day can help prevent certain diseases or alleviate the symptoms. Also, eliminating tobacco use has also been shown to improve overall health. An elderly person can talk to her doctor about how to make appropriate changes in diet, exercise or lifestyle.
