The following 5 categories of diseases are “geriatric diseases”
1. The 7 “diseases” you think are actually normal manifestations of aging
As aging process continues our bodies changed one way or another. Our first reaction to many changes is that we are sick. Actually, lots of problems that occur in our body are not classified as diseases but as aging, which is called “geriatric disease” from the clinical point of view.
One of the main reasons that cause geriatric diseases is the age, with aging, there will be a natural decline in all the functions of the body along with decreased immune system, lower metabolic rate, etc, that will bring varieties of diseases at the door; there are also less activity during old age, emotional problems caused by living alone for quite a long time, etc. They will introduce some geriatric diseases in the body.
Some of the more frequent geriatric diseases are:
1. Degenerative changes in bones and joints
The ability of the body to synthesize collagen will decrease with the passing of years, and the joints will become easily overgrowth and loose due to this, and the ligaments will also lose the elasticity, thus causing degenerative lesions in the joints. This is a very typical aging process.
2. Carotid artery plaque
Arterial plaque refers to the mingling of lipids with the area of the artery that has been damaged from the endarterial membrane, and at the end, immune cells are involved in the composition. Carotid plaque can be found in 40% of people aged >40 years in China, and the detection rate is as high as 90% in people over 60 years old. Just like a water pipe will have scale after being used for a long time, which is a manifestation of natural aging. As long as the plaque is stable and does not cause great narrowing of the blood vessels, then it is not necessary to treat it excessively.
3. Occasional constipation
The gastrointestinal function of the elderly will decline with aging, which includes appetite as well as the digestive and absorption functions that have dropped, thus the chance of constipation in the elderly that will grow significantly. About 30% of the elderly will be constipated to a certain extent. For this situation, they can eat more food rich in dietary fiber and drink more water at the same time, which will help relieve constipation.
4, Mild increase in blood pressure
From homes, the blood pressure of the elderly range will be somewhat broader than that of the youth. Because the blood vessels of the elderly are not as elastic as those of the young, it is quite normal that their blood pressure is a little bit higher. The blood pressure readings of middle-aged and elderly people should be between 90/60 mm Hg and 140/90 mm Hg; normally, there is no need for medication.
5. Presbyopia
From 40 to 55 is the time where presbyopia is most likely to happen. It is recommended to have a hospital check if there is vision loss as well as an organic disease. After all, the elimination just wears reading glasses as usual.
6. Sleep problems
Lots of elderly people have different sleep disturbances, such as early waking and going to bed early, but it does not make a problem in normal life, so it is not necessary to treat it too much. In case there is a serious insomnia problem that greatly affects daily life, the patient should visit the doctor and be treated rapidly.
7. Prostatic hyperplasia
The enlargement of the prostate gland is one of the commonest problems of middle-aged and elderly men, generally manifested by frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, etc. If the symptoms are mild and the patient can still live his life as usually without any discomfort, there is no need of any intervention.
2. 70% of the early stage of weakness can be reversed! 3 ways “to get younger”
The “Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Elderly Frailty in China” indicates that The frequency of frailty among the elderly over 65 years of age in China is 10.7%, while it is 30% for the over 80 years old . See here, and don’t worry too much, clinical data reveal that 70% of pre-failure can be reversed with intervention.
The journal Aging published a paper in which it is stated that By only changing the diet and lifestyle, the biological age of the study subjects can be reduced by 4.6 years in 2 months, plus a further reduction to 11.01 years is possible .
Besides that, some research done by the scientists of Lanzhou University, published in the European Review of Aging and Sport, also highlight that leading a healthy life is an integral part in postponing aging process and decreasing the risk of death.
What is the point of the whole life then? What should we actually do?
1. Keep exercising
It is typical of many people to start gaining weight at the age of middle life and it is not only that they become physically weak but also it deeply influences their health. Exercising regularly is the most effective method to improve the health condition. Exercise gives a person the opportunity to stay fit and also balances the physical parameters. It is recommended to go for an exercise of not less than 150 minutes per week.
2. Eat healthily
The unhealthy diet is like a fire that will go roaring the aging process. Watch your daily diet carefully, eat more and more fresh fruits and vegetables, and grains should be the main food, stop smoking and regulate your alcohol consumption.
3. Get enough sleep
Sleep is very important for the body “gas station”, and a study in the journal Cell states that chronic sleep deprivation promotes inflammation in the body and also increases the risk of premature death. Make sure you get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night and don’t stay up late.
4. The mentality is not old
The psychology of the mind is as vital as the body, keep trying new things out even when you grow older, learn something new in the same way as the rest of the world, keep your mind youthful and your whole being will appear younger.
Your body will go through changes with age and it is very normal, so do not think too much about it. However, do not leave it completely to fate, go for a check-up at the hospital if you think that it is due to an organic condition, and get able to live peacefully with it after the check-up.
Disclaimer: The following image/content has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence model and is not a photograph or a traditional human creation.
“Dr. Rakesh Mahajan, an expert orthopedic surgeon, runs Mahajan Clinic. He and his team specialize in joint replacements, knee and hip surgeries, and orthopedic care, offering personalized and advanced treatments. Services also include sports injury management, fracture care, and rehabilitation programs. At Mahajan Clinic, patients receive top-quality care and support to help them live pain-free and stay active. Orthopedic Specialist Near Me Best Orthopedic Doctor in Patel Nagar Best Orthopedic Doctor in Delhi Orthopedic Care in Patel Nagar Mahajan Clinic Best Knee Replacement Treatment in Patel Nagar Joint Pain Specialist in Central Delhi Best Bone Health Doctor Best Sports Injury Specialist Dr Rakesh Mahajan Orthopedic
