5 Conditions To Be Aware Of As You Age

Ni Ni

The AARP estimates that the number of Americans aged at least 50 will hit 157 million by 2050. Aging is inevitable, and it comes with its unique set of perks and problems that you should be aware of. It is no secret that for women, health concerns evolve, so what wasn't an issue at 20 can quickly become a big deal at 40 or 50. Therefore, it is prudent to be conscious of some of potential issues to look out for so you can best prepare to avoid or tackle them. 

Hair Loss
A 2014 survey by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery revealed that about 21 million women in America experience some degree of hair loss. It is no secret that your hair undergoes changes as you age.  Hair texture and color naturally changes and develops a shorter life cycle. Short and fine hair usually falls out to be replaced with new and finer hair. However, hair loss becomes inevitable as you age due to heredity, nutritional deficiencies, and endocrine disorders. The sex hormones that stimulate follicle fibers are also reduced due to menopause. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to combat age related hair loss. You can invest in the best hair growth products on the market to restore your thinning hair. Also learn to treat your hair more gently, wash it less frequently and eat a well balanced diet rich in protein, iron and vitamin C to slow down hair loss.

Hearing Loss
Research estimates that about 43% of Americans with hearing loss are above 65 years. Therefore, it is vital to look out for signs of hearing loss if you are in your late 50s. Presbycusis is the most common type of age-related hearing loss to be aware of. Your ability to pick out high-pitched sounds slowly lessens if you have this condition. Additionally, you may struggle to follow conversations in a crowded room. Age-related hearing loss is so gradual that you may not even notice that your hearing ability is diminishing. Therefore, prioritize regular hearing tests and wear hearing aids if necessary.

Vision Loss
Age-related vision problems become more common as people get older. The most notable conditions are macular degeneration and glaucoma. With macular degeneration, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail begins to break down over time. People in their 50s have a 2 percent risk for developing macular degeneration, but that risk increases to 30 percent after 75. Glaucoma is a condition that increases the fluid pressure inside the eye that can gradually damage the optic nerve. There are no symptoms at first, but it can cause gradual loss of peripheral vision and eventually even direct vision. Left unchecked, glaucoma can result in blindness. Researchers believe that about 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but only half are aware of it. Stay on top of any potential eye issues by scheduling regular eye check-ups with an ophthalmologist.

Breast Cancer
Your risk of developing breast cancer reportedly increases significantly between age 30 to 40. Other factors like overall family history, health, diet, and environment contribute to the possibility of developing breast cancer besides age. Consequently, your chances of developing breast cancer at age 30 are lower than at 40. However, this risk grows exponentially in 10 years. So it makes sense to prioritize regular breast exams after the age of 40 to ensure that breast cancer does not take you by surprise. You should perform self breast examinations at home regularly and also visit your doctor for annual examinations and mammograms.

Diabetes
Your risk of developing diabetes increases as you get older, although it is a condition that can develop the condition at any age. With diabetes, the amount of sugar in your blood is too high, leading to various complications  such as damage to the eyes, nerves, and kidneys, as well as heart disease or stroke. Diabetes is a popular killer of women aged 45 to 54, so it is prudent to get tested. Early signs of diabetes include feelings of extreme hunger or thirst, fatigue, a frequent need to urinate, as well as blurry eyesight. Watch out for these symptoms and get checked out. Obesity greatly increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes but losing just a tiny amount of weight can make a difference. Your best bet is always to stick to a healthy diet and cut down and eliminate excess sugar which also ages your skin and body.. Exercise and staying active will also help  active to reverse any effects of pre-diabetes.

This is a contributed post.
Photo: Huanqiu

2 comments

Jackie Harrison said...

My Birthday is around the corner I always book an appt with my doctor lol...and yes this is a list to be aware of as we age is good to be on top of any issues to catch in advance.

Ivana Split said...

Yes, these are some things one needs to be aware of as one ages. I heard that a lot of people don't look for help with hearing loss and it is important to react in time.