Common Chronic Conditions In Utah Seniors
Did you know that once the average American reaches 65 or older, roughly 93% have one or more chronic conditions? Keep reading to learn more about the most common chronic conditions for seniors living in Utah.
What Are Chronic Conditions?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a chronic illness can refer to any health condition that lasts for an extended period (typically a year or longer). For the majority of chronic illnesses/conditions, there is no cure. Meaning the condition becomes a lifelong challenge that requires continuous medical care.
While there are a handful of chronic illnesses that can be maintained, chronic disease remains the leading cause of disability in America. Chronic disease(s) also increase your risk of premature death, especially when not properly maintained.
Why Do Common Chronic Conditions Increase With Age?
The reason older adults are more prone to chronic conditions/diseases is thought to be due to the aging process itself. During the aging process, the body amasses varying degrees of molecular and cellular damage. This damage is what causes the body to begin to break down to varying degrees and makes us more prone to disease.
Overview Of The Most Common Chronic Conditions Among Utah Seniors
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the following are some of the most common chronic conditions among the elderly:
Hypertension
Hypertension (also known as high blood pressure) is when your blood flows through your body too fast, which can damage the blood vessels and arteries. High blood pressure is the #1 chronic condition on the list, affecting as many as 61% of older adults. Hypertension increases the risk of other serious conditions, like heart attacks and stroke.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol means that your blood has too much unhealthy fat in it. This fat can stick to your arteries, which will clog them over time, and lead to heart disease.
Arthritis
Arthritis causes inflammation in the joints. Roughly half of seniors struggle with arthritis.
Diabetes
Diabetes is when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin and/or is resistant to insulin. Without treatment and lifestyle modifications, diabetes can cause kidney disease, heart disease, and blindness.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is a general term used to refer to conditions that cause the heart and/or surrounding blood vessels to struggle to efficiently pump blood throughout the body. Heart disease can lead to heart attacks, heart failure, and death.
COPD
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a progressive disease of the lungs that blocks proper airflow.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes your bones to lose density at a faster rate than is normal, which leads to weak bones that are more likely to fracture (break).
Osteoporosis didn’t make the NCOA’s list, but since 1 in 3 adults over 50 already have osteopenia (an early sign of osteoporosis) and it’s more common in seniors, it’s worth mentioning.
How Chronic Conditions Can Affect Daily Living
Chronic conditions can affect a person’s daily life in one or more of the following ways:
- Limited mobility
- Loss of independence
- Chronic pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Higher risk of developing another chronic condition
- Increased stress
- Higher risk of anxiety and depression
- Financial strain from treating the condition and/or being unable to or less able to work
- Strain on relationships
- Loss of abilities you once enjoyed (hobbies, athletics, etc.)
Warning Signs A Senior May Require Medical And/Or Nursing Support
- Trouble keeping their home clean
- Trouble taking care of themselves
- Falls
- Missing appointments
- Trouble keeping up with medication(s)
- Social isolation
How Monument Health’s Skilled Nursing And Rehabilitation Can Help Manage Chronic Illness
Monument Health Group’s skilled nursing care can offer patients with chronic conditions customizable care with 24/7 monitoring, assistance with daily tasks, and other support.
We also offer onsite rehabilitation services, which can be extremely beneficial to seniors living with chronic conditions as a lot of chronic conditions include symptoms that can be treated with therapeutic rehabilitation. For example, physical therapy can assist patients dealing with chronic pain and mobility issues.
The team at Monument Health is also dedicated to providing compassionate and respectful skilled nursing facility care and rehabilitation services to all patients. Our knowledgeable staff are focused on providing patients with beneficial and measurable results.
Benefits Of Professional Care
- Superior symptom management
- Less instances of hospitalizations
- Better outcomes
- Enhanced safety
- Reassurance for families navigating care decisions
Many common chronic conditions are even more common for elderly patients. For Utah seniors, Monument Health is here to help.
