January 14, 2025 • 16 mins
Common Health Issues in Older Adults
Main Themes:
- Prevalence of Chronic Conditions: Older adults are increasingly likely to experience chronic health conditions. This briefing doc explores the most common conditions, their symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures.
- Impact on Quality of Life: These conditions significantly impact the quality of life for older adults and their caregivers.
- Role of Lifestyle and Prevention: While aging is inevitable, healthy lifestyle choices and preventive measures can delay onset, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life.
- Medicare and Support Systems: Understanding available resources, including Medicare coverage and community programs, is crucial for managing these conditions.
Most Important Ideas/Facts:
1. Most Common Conditions:
- Hypertension: Affects approximately 70% of Americans over 65. Often asymptomatic, necessitating regular blood pressure checks. ("The 10 Most Common Medical Conditions...")
- High Cholesterol: Affects 50% of older adults and can lead to heart disease and stroke. Regular screening is crucial due to its silent nature. ("The 10 Most Common Medical Conditions...")
- Arthritis: Affects 47% of adults 65 and older, impacting mobility and quality of life. ("The 10 Most Common Medical Conditions...")
- Heart Disease: A leading cause of hospitalization and death. 37% of older adults report a heart disease diagnosis. ("The 10 Most Common Medical Conditions...")
- Diabetes: Affects 29% of Americans over 65 and can lead to serious complications if left unmanaged. ("The 10 Most Common Medical Conditions...")
- Chronic Kidney Disease: Affects about 33% of people over 65 and often goes unnoticed until later stages. ("The 10 Most Common Medical Conditions...")
- Dementia (including Alzheimer's): Affects nearly 12% of older adults on Medicare, impacting memory, thinking, and behavior. ("The Top 10 Most Common Chronic Diseases...")
- Depression: A serious but treatable condition affecting 16% of older adults. Underdiagnosis is a concern. ("The Top 10 Most Common Chronic Diseases...")
- COPD: Affects 11% to 18% of older adults and is a leading cause of hospitalization. Smoking is a major risk factor. ("The Top 10 Most Common Chronic Diseases...")
2. Signs and Symptoms: Many conditions share symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, pain, and cognitive changes. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
3. Treatment and Management:
- Lifestyle Modifications: Healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and social engagement are fundamental.
- Medications: Vary depending on the condition. Understanding Medicare coverage is essential.
- Therapy and Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, mental health services, and support groups can enhance quality of life.
4. Prevention:
- Healthy Aging Practices: Embracing a healthy lifestyle from a younger age can significantly reduce risks.
- Regular Screenings: Early detection is vital for managing many conditions.
- Understanding Risk Factors: Family history, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors all contribute to risk.
5. Resources and Support:
- Medicare: Provides coverage for various screenings, treatments, and services related to these conditions.
- Community Programs: Offer education, support groups, and self-management resources, such as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP). <
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to another Deep Dive.
Today we're going to be lookingat, well as we age, the health
landscape and you know thelisteners have given us quite a
bit to work with here a lot ofarticles and reports from a lot
of different sources.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Yeah yeah, it seems like they really wanted us to
take a look at a lot ofdifferent perspectives here,
which is good.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
Yeah, we've got agingcarecom.
Alzheimer's Association, eliteCare, hc Medical News Today even
Chapter Medicare.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
And the National Council on Aging.
It is comprehensive, it is, itis it really is, and you know
it's a lot to go through, butyou know what?
That's what we do here.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
That's right.
That's the fun of it.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
That's the fun, right .
So I've got to admit right offthe bat.
In that aging care dot comarticle something really stood
out to me and it said that youknow, because of all these
medical advancements, people areliving longer than ever, which
is great, but longer lifespandoesn't necessarily mean we're
adding years of healthy living.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Yeah, that's a really important distinction to make.
You know, I think oftentimes wereally focus on just living
longer, but what we really wantto be focusing on is living
healthier for longer.
Right, like extending what theycall the health span.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
Right, so it's not just about living longer, it's
about living well for longer.
Exactly, okay, so that makessense.
So if that's the case, then itbecomes really important to
understand all the healthchallenges we're going to be
facing, right?
Speaker 2 (01:21):
Yeah, as we get older challenges we're going to be
facing, right, yeah, as we getolder.
Exactly Because if youunderstand what you're up
against, then you can be alittle bit more proactive in
terms of how you approach yourhelp.
Speaker 1 (01:31):
And we've got a lot to be concerned about according
to these articles.
A lot of them pointed toconditions that become more
prevalent after 65.
All you know all the usualsuspects.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:43):
Arthritis, heart disease, stroke yeah, cancer
yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Those are.
Those are definitely the bigones, and I think people forget.
You know, even though cancer isa huge one, pneumonia and the
flu can be really reallydangerous for older adults too.
Yeah, Because you know theirimmune systems aren't quite as
robust, and so you know it canlead to complications.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
Right.
And then of course there's justaccidents like falls.
That Elite Care HC articlereally emphasized how dangerous
those can be, absolutelyEspecially if they lead to a hip
fracture.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Yeah, and you know, sometimes people don't realize
that a fall can actually be anindicator of another underlying
health problem.
So, for instance, it couldpoint to osteoporosis.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
Osteoporosis?
Ok, I've heard that term, buthonestly I don't really know
what it is.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
So basically, osteoporosis is, it's a
condition that makes your bonesreally weak, and it's often
caused by, you know, a calciumdeficiency over a long period of
time.
And the thing is oftentimespeople don't even realize they
have it until they actually havea fracture.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
So basically it's like this silent thing that's
happening Exactly.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Exactly.
It could be going on for yearsand years and years.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
Does that mean, we should all be taking calcium
supplements?
Speaker 2 (02:54):
Well, you know, I would say calcium is really
important for bone health.
However, it's never a good ideato self-medicate Right, talk to
your doctor, get you know, getchecked out, see if you have a
deficiency.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
Okay, so talk to your doctor before you just start
taking supplements.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
Absolutely.
But, that being said, there aresome things you can do to
prevent this.
And actually, the Elite Care HCarticle.
They mentioned some things likeweight-bearing exercises, so
like lifting weights or evenjust like a really brisk walk
can help you maintain your bonedensity, and then things that
improve your balance, so thingslike Tai Chi or yoga can help
(03:30):
you be more stable and hopefullyreduce the risk of falling.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
Okay, so simple things like that can actually
make a big difference.
Exactly that's good to know.
Okay, let's shift gears a bithere, because I was really
interested in the informationthat came from the Alzheimer's
Association.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
Yeah, Alzheimer's is a big one.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
It is.
I mean, it's definitelysomething that I think about a
lot.
I worry about, of course, whatreally struck you from that
source.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Well, the numbers, the number of people that are
actually dealing withAlzheimer's right now, is pretty
staggering.
Did you know that like 6.5million Americans 65 and older
are living with Alzheimer's?
Speaker 1 (04:07):
Wow yeah it's a lot.
That's a huge number.
You know, I always get dementiaand Alzheimer's confused.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Yeah, it can be confusing.
Speaker 1 (04:14):
What's the difference ?
Speaker 2 (04:15):
So basically think of dementia as the umbrella term
right.
So dementia basically meansthat there's some sort of
cognitive decline happening.
Alzheimer's is a type ofdementia, it's just the most
common type.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
Okay, so it's like a category within a category.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
Gotcha Okay.
So what exactly is happening inthe brain with Alzheimer's?
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Well, it's a little complicated, but basically what
happens is there's a buildup ofcertain proteins in the brain
and it messes with thecommunication between the brain
cells oh wow.
And it messes with thecommunication between the brain
cells, oh wow.
And so that leads to, you know,memory decline.
You know problems thinking andeventually, you know people have
trouble just doing like basiceveryday things.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
That sounds really scary.
Yeah, are there any earlywarning signs that we should be
looking out for?
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Yeah, there are actually quite a few.
The Chapter of Medicare articlehad a whole list of them, ten
in fact.
Early warning signs.
One that I thought wasinteresting was having
difficulty completing familiartasks.
Yeah, so like imagine somebodyyou know who's always managed
their finances really well andthen suddenly they're having
(05:26):
trouble like balancing theircheckbook.
Or you know, you've got areally great cook in the family
and all of a sudden they can'tfollow a simple recipe, right,
you know it's not just a slip up.
It could actually be an earlysign.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
Wow, yeah, that really puts it into perspective.
What other warning signs, didany other stand out to you?
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Yeah, confusion with time or place is another one, so
like getting lost in a familiarplace or forgetting
appointments or not knowing whatday it is, those are things to
watch out for.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
It's tough, though, because I feel like sometimes
those things just happen as youget older.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Right, right, and that's why it's.
You know, it's not necessarilysomething to panic about every
time you forget something, butit's more about recognizing a
pattern.
Is it something that'shappening kind of gradually?
Is it really interfering withtheir daily life?
Speaker 1 (06:12):
Right, so it's not like one instance.
Exactly You're looking for moreof like a change.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
Up over time.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
Okay, so it sounds like early detection is really
important.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
Absolutely, especially because right now
there's no cure for Alzheimer's,right, you know.
But if you catch it early,there are things you can do to
manage the symptoms, to maybeslow down the progression and
just improve their quality oflife.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
And the caregiver's quality of life too.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
Exactly, exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
Because that's a whole other issue, right?
Yeah, you know, as we'retalking about managing health,
I'm noticing this kind of themecoming up.
Speaker 2 (06:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
A lot of the articles talked about how the choices
that we make can really impacthow we age.
That's true.
The Chapter Medicare articlehighlighted four main areas
Healthy diet, regular exercise,staying socially connected and
using preventative services.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
Yeah, I mean it really is empowering to think
about it that way, right Likewe're not just kind of at the
mercy of whatever happens.
Speaker 1 (07:08):
Right.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
We can actually do things to influence our health.
Speaker 1 (07:11):
Exactly, it's about making good choices now.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
That can hopefully pay off later.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
That actually ties into what the National Council
on Aging was saying about socialisolation.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
They were saying that it actually increases the risks
of some of the conditions thatwe've been talking about.
Oh, absolutely, like heartdisease, depression, even
cognitive decline.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Yeah, and it makes sense right, because when you're
interacting with other people,it keeps your brain active, it
combats loneliness and it alsoprovides support system.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
Right.
So it's not just about havingsomebody to hang out with.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
Exactly, exactly.
It's really important for ourwell-being.
Yeah, for your health.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
That's fascinating.
So basically taking care of oursocial and emotional needs can
actually impact our physicalhealth.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Absolutely, and the other way around too.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
Oh right.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Of course, if you're not feeling well, it's hard to
be social.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Right, it goes both ways.
That's a great point.
The Medical News Today articlehad this term to new normal
health yeah, and they werebasically saying that technology
and online communities arereally changing the way that we
approach health care.
Especially for seniors,Especially for seniors.
Yeah, they talked abouttelehealth appointments.
You know online support groups,even apps that can remind you
(08:25):
to take your medication.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
So many cool things.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
It's amazing, it is.
Speaker 1 (08:30):
It really is amazing.
It's almost like we're creatingthis digital safety net, yeah,
for people who might be isolated.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
That's incredible.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
And you know it also plays into what the National
Council on.
Aging was saying about ageism,because these online communities
are helping to challengestereotypes about what it means
to be older Right and toshowcase, you know what older
adults are capable of.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
So it's not about pretending that aging is perfect
.
No, it's just about recognizingthat there's, you know, all
these different experiences thatcome with it.
Okay, so if we were to distilleverything that we've learned so
far, what would be the maintakeaway for our listener?
Speaker 2 (09:12):
I would say the main takeaway is that aging does come
with some health challenges,right, but understanding those
challenges and just beingproactive can make a huge
difference in your quality oflife.
You know, take care of yourphysical health, your mental and
emotional well-being, and stayconnected.
Speaker 1 (09:28):
Well said.
It's so important to rememberthat we have some control over
this process.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Absolutely.
We're not just along for theride, we're actually driving.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
I love that.
Ok, so we're in the driver'sseat, but let's be real, there
are probably going to be somebumps along the way.
What are some of the challengesthat our listener might run
into when it comes to managingtheir health as they get older?
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Well, access to quality care is a big one that
comes up again and again.
You know finding doctors whospecialize in geriatrics,
dealing with insurance andMedicare Right, Making sure that
you're getting the care that'sspecifically tailored to your
needs as an older adult.
Speaker 1 (10:04):
Right, and also just the cost of health care
Absolutely Can be a big burdenfor a lot of seniors.
Yeah, especially if they're ona fixed income.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
The Elite Care HC article talked about how some
conditions, like chronic kidneydisease, often go undetected
until they're really advancedand that leads to even more
problems and higher costs.
Speaker 2 (10:24):
Absolutely.
Prevention is key.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
Right.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
But it's not always easy or affordable.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
Right, and then there's also the emotional and
social stuff that comes alongwith aging and health issues, of
course.
The National Council on Agingmentioned things like social
isolation, the burden ofcaregiving.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
The stigma associated with certain conditions.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
All very important factors.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
It's not just about treating the physical symptoms.
It's about the whole person.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Exactly their emotional well-being, their
support system, you know theiroverall quality of life.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
So advocating for yourself or your loved ones is
really important.
It is as you get older.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Yeah, it's about knowing your rights,
understanding what resources areavailable and, you know, just
making your voice heard.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
That makes me think about what the Medical News
Today article said abouttechnology.
Yeah, you know, they talkedabout all the great things that
it can do.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
Right.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
But there are also some downsides.
Definitely, Like you know, noteverybody's comfortable with
technology.
There are privacy concerns, therisk of getting bad information
online.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Absolutely.
You have to be careful.
You can't just believeeverything you read.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
Right.
So it's about being smart abouthow we use technology.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Exactly, you know.
Just like you have to be asmart consumer when it comes to
health care services, you alsohave to be a smart consumer when
it comes to information online.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
It all comes back to this idea of taking control of
our health journey.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
It's not just about accepting what happens.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
No.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
It's about really being proactive.
It is Seeking out informationand resources and support.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
You got it.
You're not a passive bystander,you're actually in control.
Speaker 1 (11:56):
Okay, so we're in the driver's seat, we're ready to
be proactive.
What are some practical stepsthat our listener can take to
start this process?
Speaker 2 (12:05):
Well, first and foremost, I would say, establish
a good relationship with yourdoctor.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (12:09):
You know, go for regular checkups, don't be
afraid to ask questions and justmake sure that you have that
open communication.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
So having a doctor that you trust, that you feel
comfortable with, Exactly Isreally important.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
Absolutely, that can make a world of difference.
And also don't underestimatethe power of lifestyle changes.
That chapter, medicare article,really emphasized that.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
Oh right, they talked about healthy diet.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (12:34):
Exercise, stress management, sleep All the things
that are important, no matterhow old you are.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
But maybe even more important as we get older.
Speaker 2 (12:42):
Absolutely, and you know it doesn't have to be huge
changes.
It can be small things that youincorporate into your routine.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
So like taking the stairs instead of the elevator,
or adding more vegetables toyour meals.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
Yeah, simple things like that.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
Okay.
What about staying connected?
Are there any practical tipsfor maintaining those
relationships as we get older?
Speaker 2 (13:02):
Yeah, you know, it really comes down to being
intentional about it.
So make an effort to reach outto people, join groups or
activities that interest you.
You know the National Councilon Aging actually talked about
volunteering as a great way tostay connected.
Oh, yeah, and to give back tothe community.
Speaker 1 (13:21):
And that helps you too, right.
Absolutely, it gives you asense of purpose.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Yeah, it keeps you active, it makes you feel good.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
So basically, staying engaged with life is really
important as we age.
It's not about slowing down,it's about finding new ways to
participate.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
Exactly, exactly, all right.
Speaker 1 (13:36):
So, as we wrap up this part of our deep dive,
what's one action step ourlistener can take today to start
being more proactive abouttheir health?
Speaker 2 (13:44):
I would say pick up the phone and schedule a checkup
with your doctor, even if youfeel fine, even if you feel fine
, just go in talk to them, askquestions and get that
personalized advice.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
It's all about taking that first step.
It is yeah, no matter how smallthat first step is, you know.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
Exactly, and you know .
Going back to taking action,that Medical News Today article
really got me thinking about thefuture, you know, for seniors,
because health care is alwayschanging.
Speaker 1 (14:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
There's always these new innovations popping up, so
it really got me thinking whatrole will you play in all this?
Speaker 1 (14:19):
Oh, that's a great question.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
Right.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
It is, it is.
You know, we spent this wholedeep dive just kind of looking
at the landscape of aging andhealth, Right, but now it's
about OK, what do we do withthis information?
Speaker 2 (14:31):
Exactly what are you going to do?
Are you going to be one ofthose people that jumps in and
tries out all the new technology, or are you going to be an
advocate and try to get betteraccess to care for yourself and
for other people?
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:48):
Are you going to speak up and try to you know
change the way people thinkabout aging.
Right it's, it's really up toyou.
Speaker 1 (14:52):
Well, there's so much we can do.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
There is, and that's the exciting part.
It means that we're not, youknow, just sitting around
waiting for things to happen.
Speaker 1 (14:59):
We're part of it.
Speaker 2 (14:59):
We're part of the change.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
I love that.
I love that.
Well, I think that's a perfectplace to wrap up this deep dive.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
Yeah, I think so too.
Speaker 1 (15:06):
We really covered a lot.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
We did.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
Today, you know, from understanding those common
health challenges to exploringthe role of technology and being
proactive about our health.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
Yeah, it's been amazing, it really has, and I
hope that our listener feels youknow more informed and
empowered.
Speaker 1 (15:23):
Empowered.
Speaker 2 (15:24):
To take control of their health?
Yes, knowing that they have theinformation and the resources
to make the best decisions forthemselves.
Speaker 1 (15:32):
Couldn't have said it better myself.
A huge thank you to you, ohthank you For joining us and
sharing your expertise.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
It's been my pleasure .
Speaker 1 (15:38):
And to our listeners keep learning, keep asking
questions.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (15:43):
And you know what?
Just keep embracing thisamazing adventure that we call
aging.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
Here here.
Speaker 1 (15:48):
Thank you for joining us for this deep dive.
Welcome to another Deep Dive.
Today we're going to be lookingat, well as we age, the health
landscape and you know thelisteners have given us quite a
bit to work with here a lot ofarticles and reports from a lot
of different sources.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Yeah yeah, it seems like they really wanted us to
take a look at a lot ofdifferent perspectives here,
which is good.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
Yeah, we've got agingcarecom.
Alzheimer's Association, eliteCare, hc Medical News Today even
Chapter Medicare.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
And the National Council on Aging.
It is comprehensive, it is, itis it really is, and you know
it's a lot to go through, butyou know what?
That's what we do here.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
That's right.
That's the fun of it.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
That's the fun, right .
So I've got to admit right offthe bat.
In that aging care dot comarticle something really stood
out to me and it said that youknow, because of all these
medical advancements, people areliving longer than ever, which
is great, but longer lifespandoesn't necessarily mean we're
adding years of healthy living.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Yeah, that's a really important distinction to make.
You know, I think oftentimes wereally focus on just living
longer, but what we really wantto be focusing on is living
healthier for longer.
Right, like extending what theycall the health span.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
Right, so it's not just about living longer, it's
about living well for longer.
Exactly, okay, so that makessense.
So if that's the case, then itbecomes really important to
understand all the healthchallenges we're going to be
facing, right?
Speaker 2 (01:21):
Yeah, as we get older challenges we're going to be
facing, right, yeah, as we getolder.
Exactly Because if youunderstand what you're up
against, then you can be alittle bit more proactive in
terms of how you approach yourhelp.
Speaker 1 (01:31):
And we've got a lot to be concerned about according
to these articles.
A lot of them pointed toconditions that become more
prevalent after 65.
All you know all the usualsuspects.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:43):
Arthritis, heart disease, stroke yeah, cancer
yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Those are.
Those are definitely the bigones, and I think people forget.
You know, even though cancer isa huge one, pneumonia and the
flu can be really reallydangerous for older adults too.
Yeah, Because you know theirimmune systems aren't quite as
robust, and so you know it canlead to complications.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
Right.
And then of course there's justaccidents like falls.
That Elite Care HC articlereally emphasized how dangerous
those can be, absolutelyEspecially if they lead to a hip
fracture.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Yeah, and you know, sometimes people don't realize
that a fall can actually be anindicator of another underlying
health problem.
So, for instance, it couldpoint to osteoporosis.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
Osteoporosis?
Ok, I've heard that term, buthonestly I don't really know
what it is.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
So basically, osteoporosis is, it's a
condition that makes your bonesreally weak, and it's often
caused by, you know, a calciumdeficiency over a long period of
time.
And the thing is oftentimespeople don't even realize they
have it until they actually havea fracture.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
So basically it's like this silent thing that's
happening Exactly.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Exactly.
It could be going on for yearsand years and years.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
Does that mean, we should all be taking calcium
supplements?
Speaker 2 (02:54):
Well, you know, I would say calcium is really
important for bone health.
However, it's never a good ideato self-medicate Right, talk to
your doctor, get you know, getchecked out, see if you have a
deficiency.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
Okay, so talk to your doctor before you just start
taking supplements.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
Absolutely.
But, that being said, there aresome things you can do to
prevent this.
And actually, the Elite Care HCarticle.
They mentioned some things likeweight-bearing exercises, so
like lifting weights or evenjust like a really brisk walk
can help you maintain your bonedensity, and then things that
improve your balance, so thingslike Tai Chi or yoga can help
(03:30):
you be more stable and hopefullyreduce the risk of falling.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
Okay, so simple things like that can actually
make a big difference.
Exactly that's good to know.
Okay, let's shift gears a bithere, because I was really
interested in the informationthat came from the Alzheimer's
Association.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
Yeah, Alzheimer's is a big one.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
It is.
I mean, it's definitelysomething that I think about a
lot.
I worry about, of course, whatreally struck you from that
source.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Well, the numbers, the number of people that are
actually dealing withAlzheimer's right now, is pretty
staggering.
Did you know that like 6.5million Americans 65 and older
are living with Alzheimer's?
Speaker 1 (04:07):
Wow yeah it's a lot.
That's a huge number.
You know, I always get dementiaand Alzheimer's confused.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Yeah, it can be confusing.
Speaker 1 (04:14):
What's the difference ?
Speaker 2 (04:15):
So basically think of dementia as the umbrella term
right.
So dementia basically meansthat there's some sort of
cognitive decline happening.
Alzheimer's is a type ofdementia, it's just the most
common type.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
Okay, so it's like a category within a category.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
Gotcha Okay.
So what exactly is happening inthe brain with Alzheimer's?
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Well, it's a little complicated, but basically what
happens is there's a buildup ofcertain proteins in the brain
and it messes with thecommunication between the brain
cells oh wow.
And it messes with thecommunication between the brain
cells, oh wow.
And so that leads to, you know,memory decline.
You know problems thinking andeventually, you know people have
trouble just doing like basiceveryday things.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
That sounds really scary.
Yeah, are there any earlywarning signs that we should be
looking out for?
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Yeah, there are actually quite a few.
The Chapter of Medicare articlehad a whole list of them, ten
in fact.
Early warning signs.
One that I thought wasinteresting was having
difficulty completing familiartasks.
Yeah, so like imagine somebodyyou know who's always managed
their finances really well andthen suddenly they're having
(05:26):
trouble like balancing theircheckbook.
Or you know, you've got areally great cook in the family
and all of a sudden they can'tfollow a simple recipe, right,
you know it's not just a slip up.
It could actually be an earlysign.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
Wow, yeah, that really puts it into perspective.
What other warning signs, didany other stand out to you?
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Yeah, confusion with time or place is another one, so
like getting lost in a familiarplace or forgetting
appointments or not knowing whatday it is, those are things to
watch out for.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
It's tough, though, because I feel like sometimes
those things just happen as youget older.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Right, right, and that's why it's.
You know, it's not necessarilysomething to panic about every
time you forget something, butit's more about recognizing a
pattern.
Is it something that'shappening kind of gradually?
Is it really interfering withtheir daily life?
Speaker 1 (06:12):
Right, so it's not like one instance.
Exactly You're looking for moreof like a change.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
Up over time.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
Okay, so it sounds like early detection is really
important.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
Absolutely, especially because right now
there's no cure for Alzheimer's,right, you know.
But if you catch it early,there are things you can do to
manage the symptoms, to maybeslow down the progression and
just improve their quality oflife.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
And the caregiver's quality of life too.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
Exactly, exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
Because that's a whole other issue, right?
Yeah, you know, as we'retalking about managing health,
I'm noticing this kind of themecoming up.
Speaker 2 (06:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
A lot of the articles talked about how the choices
that we make can really impacthow we age.
That's true.
The Chapter Medicare articlehighlighted four main areas
Healthy diet, regular exercise,staying socially connected and
using preventative services.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
Yeah, I mean it really is empowering to think
about it that way, right Likewe're not just kind of at the
mercy of whatever happens.
Speaker 1 (07:08):
Right.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
We can actually do things to influence our health.
Speaker 1 (07:11):
Exactly, it's about making good choices now.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
That can hopefully pay off later.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
That actually ties into what the National Council
on Aging was saying about socialisolation.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
They were saying that it actually increases the risks
of some of the conditions thatwe've been talking about.
Oh, absolutely, like heartdisease, depression, even
cognitive decline.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Yeah, and it makes sense right, because when you're
interacting with other people,it keeps your brain active, it
combats loneliness and it alsoprovides support system.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
Right.
So it's not just about havingsomebody to hang out with.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
Exactly, exactly.
It's really important for ourwell-being.
Yeah, for your health.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
That's fascinating.
So basically taking care of oursocial and emotional needs can
actually impact our physicalhealth.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Absolutely, and the other way around too.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
Oh right.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Of course, if you're not feeling well, it's hard to
be social.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Right, it goes both ways.
That's a great point.
The Medical News Today articlehad this term to new normal
health yeah, and they werebasically saying that technology
and online communities arereally changing the way that we
approach health care.
Especially for seniors,Especially for seniors.
Yeah, they talked abouttelehealth appointments.
You know online support groups,even apps that can remind you
(08:25):
to take your medication.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
So many cool things.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
It's amazing, it is.
Speaker 1 (08:30):
It really is amazing.
It's almost like we're creatingthis digital safety net, yeah,
for people who might be isolated.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
That's incredible.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
And you know it also plays into what the National
Council on.
Aging was saying about ageism,because these online communities
are helping to challengestereotypes about what it means
to be older Right and toshowcase, you know what older
adults are capable of.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
So it's not about pretending that aging is perfect
.
No, it's just about recognizingthat there's, you know, all
these different experiences thatcome with it.
Okay, so if we were to distilleverything that we've learned so
far, what would be the maintakeaway for our listener?
Speaker 2 (09:12):
I would say the main takeaway is that aging does come
with some health challenges,right, but understanding those
challenges and just beingproactive can make a huge
difference in your quality oflife.
You know, take care of yourphysical health, your mental and
emotional well-being, and stayconnected.
Speaker 1 (09:28):
Well said.
It's so important to rememberthat we have some control over
this process.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Absolutely.
We're not just along for theride, we're actually driving.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
I love that.
Ok, so we're in the driver'sseat, but let's be real, there
are probably going to be somebumps along the way.
What are some of the challengesthat our listener might run
into when it comes to managingtheir health as they get older?
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Well, access to quality care is a big one that
comes up again and again.
You know finding doctors whospecialize in geriatrics,
dealing with insurance andMedicare Right, Making sure that
you're getting the care that'sspecifically tailored to your
needs as an older adult.
Speaker 1 (10:04):
Right, and also just the cost of health care
Absolutely Can be a big burdenfor a lot of seniors.
Yeah, especially if they're ona fixed income.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
The Elite Care HC article talked about how some
conditions, like chronic kidneydisease, often go undetected
until they're really advancedand that leads to even more
problems and higher costs.
Speaker 2 (10:24):
Absolutely.
Prevention is key.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
Right.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
But it's not always easy or affordable.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
Right, and then there's also the emotional and
social stuff that comes alongwith aging and health issues, of
course.
The National Council on Agingmentioned things like social
isolation, the burden ofcaregiving.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
The stigma associated with certain conditions.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
All very important factors.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
It's not just about treating the physical symptoms.
It's about the whole person.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Exactly their emotional well-being, their
support system, you know theiroverall quality of life.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
So advocating for yourself or your loved ones is
really important.
It is as you get older.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Yeah, it's about knowing your rights,
understanding what resources areavailable and, you know, just
making your voice heard.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
That makes me think about what the Medical News
Today article said abouttechnology.
Yeah, you know, they talkedabout all the great things that
it can do.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
Right.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
But there are also some downsides.
Definitely, Like you know, noteverybody's comfortable with
technology.
There are privacy concerns, therisk of getting bad information
online.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Absolutely.
You have to be careful.
You can't just believeeverything you read.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
Right.
So it's about being smart abouthow we use technology.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Exactly, you know.
Just like you have to be asmart consumer when it comes to
health care services, you alsohave to be a smart consumer when
it comes to information online.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
It all comes back to this idea of taking control of
our health journey.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
It's not just about accepting what happens.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
No.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
It's about really being proactive.
It is Seeking out informationand resources and support.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
You got it.
You're not a passive bystander,you're actually in control.
Speaker 1 (11:56):
Okay, so we're in the driver's seat, we're ready to
be proactive.
What are some practical stepsthat our listener can take to
start this process?
Speaker 2 (12:05):
Well, first and foremost, I would say, establish
a good relationship with yourdoctor.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (12:09):
You know, go for regular checkups, don't be
afraid to ask questions and justmake sure that you have that
open communication.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
So having a doctor that you trust, that you feel
comfortable with, Exactly Isreally important.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
Absolutely, that can make a world of difference.
And also don't underestimatethe power of lifestyle changes.
That chapter, medicare article,really emphasized that.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
Oh right, they talked about healthy diet.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (12:34):
Exercise, stress management, sleep All the things
that are important, no matterhow old you are.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
But maybe even more important as we get older.
Speaker 2 (12:42):
Absolutely, and you know it doesn't have to be huge
changes.
It can be small things that youincorporate into your routine.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
So like taking the stairs instead of the elevator,
or adding more vegetables toyour meals.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
Yeah, simple things like that.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
Okay.
What about staying connected?
Are there any practical tipsfor maintaining those
relationships as we get older?
Speaker 2 (13:02):
Yeah, you know, it really comes down to being
intentional about it.
So make an effort to reach outto people, join groups or
activities that interest you.
You know the National Councilon Aging actually talked about
volunteering as a great way tostay connected.
Oh, yeah, and to give back tothe community.
Speaker 1 (13:21):
And that helps you too, right.
Absolutely, it gives you asense of purpose.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Yeah, it keeps you active, it makes you feel good.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
So basically, staying engaged with life is really
important as we age.
It's not about slowing down,it's about finding new ways to
participate.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
Exactly, exactly, all right.
Speaker 1 (13:36):
So, as we wrap up this part of our deep dive,
what's one action step ourlistener can take today to start
being more proactive abouttheir health?
Speaker 2 (13:44):
I would say pick up the phone and schedule a checkup
with your doctor, even if youfeel fine, even if you feel fine
, just go in talk to them, askquestions and get that
personalized advice.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
It's all about taking that first step.
It is yeah, no matter how smallthat first step is, you know.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
Exactly, and you know .
Going back to taking action,that Medical News Today article
really got me thinking about thefuture, you know, for seniors,
because health care is alwayschanging.
Speaker 1 (14:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
There's always these new innovations popping up, so
it really got me thinking whatrole will you play in all this?
Speaker 1 (14:19):
Oh, that's a great question.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
Right.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
It is, it is.
You know, we spent this wholedeep dive just kind of looking
at the landscape of aging andhealth, Right, but now it's
about OK, what do we do withthis information?
Speaker 2 (14:31):
Exactly what are you going to do?
Are you going to be one ofthose people that jumps in and
tries out all the new technology, or are you going to be an
advocate and try to get betteraccess to care for yourself and
for other people?
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:48):
Are you going to speak up and try to you know
change the way people thinkabout aging.
Right it's, it's really up toyou.
Speaker 1 (14:52):
Well, there's so much we can do.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
There is, and that's the exciting part.
It means that we're not, youknow, just sitting around
waiting for things to happen.
Speaker 1 (14:59):
We're part of it.
Speaker 2 (14:59):
We're part of the change.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
I love that.
I love that.
Well, I think that's a perfectplace to wrap up this deep dive.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
Yeah, I think so too.
Speaker 1 (15:06):
We really covered a lot.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
We did.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
Today, you know, from understanding those common
health challenges to exploringthe role of technology and being
proactive about our health.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
Yeah, it's been amazing, it really has, and I
hope that our listener feels youknow more informed and
empowered.
Speaker 1 (15:23):
Empowered.
Speaker 2 (15:24):
To take control of their health?
Yes, knowing that they have theinformation and the resources
to make the best decisions forthemselves.
Speaker 1 (15:32):
Couldn't have said it better myself.
A huge thank you to you, ohthank you For joining us and
sharing your expertise.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
It's been my pleasure .
Speaker 1 (15:38):
And to our listeners keep learning, keep asking
questions.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (15:43):
And you know what?
Just keep embracing thisamazing adventure that we call
aging.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
Here here.
Speaker 1 (15:48):
Thank you for joining us for this deep dive.
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