Older adults are expected to account for approximately 20% of the United States’ population by 2030. Even though many Americans tend to live longer than in previous generations, older adults are still subject to experiencing a variety of health issues and injuries.
The Prevalence of Diabetes
Every year, there are 1.4 million Americans that receive a diabetes diagnosis. The 65 and older age bracket in particular has a high incidence of this condition. It is estimated that 11.8 million seniors are currently living with this disease.
Multiple Chronic Conditions
Data shows that 2 out of every 3 older adults experience more than a single chronic condition. While 9.3% of adults with diabetes don’t have additional health concerns, others may experience these and other common health issues:
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Chronic respiratory disease
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
A large percentage of adults 55 and older are also at risk for hypertension, or abnormally high blood pressure. Recent data shows that this is a risk for 90% of adults within the United States. While women tend to develop this condition more often than men. It’s been found that 50% of women 60 years of age and older develop this condition. When they are 75 and older, however, 77% have of women have hypertension. Within the 75 and older age group for men, 64% are affected by abnormally high blood pressure.
Asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema affect many individuals within the 65 and older age group. Around 10% of men and 13% of women have asthma. In terms of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, 10% of men and 11% of women have these conditions.
Treating Falls
Older adults are also more prone to falling due to balance and other issues. As a result, an older adult receives emergency room treatment every 15 seconds. In many cases, they sustain an injury that requires them to be admitted to the hospital.
Increasing Mobility With Assistive Devices
If they don’t already use a walking aid or other type of mobility device, a physician may recommend or prescribe this, particularly when an older adult has fallen and sustained an injury or is otherwise experiencing mobility issues.
There are a number of choices for both walking support devices and other types of mobility devices A recent survey found that these were preferred, helpful, or necessary mobility devices:
- Medical canes: 16.4%
- Medical walkers: 11.6%
- Wheelchairs: 6%
- Scooters: 2.3%
Treating Constipation
Occasional constipation is also an issue that can arise with older adults, particularly when they’ve had surgery or are leading a more sedentary lifestyle. When this occurs, doctors may prescribe DSS capsules to soften their stools. If constipation occurs more often or on a regular basis, doctors may recommend alternate treatments or medications. Just as with other medications, a DSS stool softener, or DSS capsules, may have side effects. If someone is taking DSS capsules and experiences side effects, then it is important for them to contact their physician.
Living a Happy Retirement
It’s important to note that even though many older adults are living with chronic and other types of medical conditions, they continue to want to have a happy retirement and age in place when possible. Experiencing good health was listed as the most important contributing factor for 81% of a recent survey’s participants.