5 Most Common Aging-Related Illnesses: Which One Should Concern You the Most?

There are many aging-related illnesses and health conditions predominant in adults as they age. Because of various factors including lifestyle choices and genetics, some people have a higher risk of being diagnosed with certain health issues as they get older.

Here are the five common illnesses related to the aging process.

1. Various Cancers

It is a well-known fact that cancer can occur at any age, but there are certain types of cancer that are more prevalent after the age of 55. These high-risk medical conditions for older adults include lung, skin and stomach cancers. People get cancer when abnormal cells in the body multiply at a rapid pace.

Cancer occurs more frequently as people age because of lifelong exposure to harmful substances, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. You may have a concern for getting cancer if your lifestyle exposes you to harmful substances, environmental factors, or prolonged sun exposure. There are biopharmaceutical companies, such as poseida.com, that work to develop cell therapies through gene engineering to improve cancer treatments.

2. Parkinson’s Disease

This disorder most frequently affects males, and it’s usually diagnosed after the age of 60. Common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include hand tremors, balance issues, and joint stiffness. Progressive neuron loss in the brain is the cause of this disease and although doctors can prescribe medications for many of the symptoms, there is no cure. Some factors that increase the risk of contracting this disorder include exposure to toxins, a traumatic head injury, and genetics.

3. Cardiovascular Disease

This condition is most commonly known as heart disease and there are many types of medical disorders that relate to issues with the heart. Frequently diagnosed heart conditions include coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and congestive heart failure. Contributing factors that often lead to heart disease include obesity, lack of physical activity and high blood pressure. If you have a history of heart disease in your family, you’re also more susceptible to contracting some type of heart disease in your lifetime.

4. Type 2 Diabetes

There are two kinds of diabetes and Type 2 diabetes is the one that adults get later in life, usually after the age of 45. This diabetes occurs when the body loses the ability to process the sugars in foods. Without medication, the sugar levels of a diabetic can spike and this can lead to more serious health problems including liver failure, heart attack, and a stroke. Having a parent or sibling with this condition increases your chance of a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. You can reduce the risk as you age if you have an ideal weight and if you participate in regular physical activity.

5. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Also called COPD, this serious health condition mainly affects adults over the age of 65. Adults who have this condition have reduced airflow to and from their lungs that’s caused by inflamed airways, an excess of mucous production and a thickened lining in the lungs. You may have a concern for getting COPD as you get older if you work in or around pollution or contaminants. Prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke is also a risk factor for COPD.

These health conditions are common for people as they get older and they’re often fatal. Although some risk factors are hereditary, there are things that you can do to lessen the risk of these health conditions later in life. To further minimize the risk, it’s important to visit your doctor regularly for medical checkups.