Happy senior couple walking on beach

In part one of “Preventing Illness”, we looked at prevention of common and acute illness in the elderly. As promised, part two talks about preventing chronic illness in the elderly. Chronic conditions are long-term in duration. They can be controlled in most cases, but not cured. Chronic illness is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States and is plaguing the world at an alarming rate.

Many long-term chronic illnesses that affect the elderly are preventable. Sadly, large numbers of people are not willing or able to take preventative measures. Major changes require effort and commitment. Prevention is possible, but often inconvenient. When big changes seem too daunting, small changes could prove to be the key to prevention. Each person has the ability to take control of their health when it comes to preventable chronic disease.

Sometimes a genetic component makes the onset of the condition inevitable regardless of what preventative measures are taken. Even in those cases, these diseases are known as Diseases of Lifestyle. Examples are:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Obesity
• Pulmonary disease
• Type II diabetes

Diseases of Lifestyle are illnesses caused by poor dietary habits and lack of physical activity, smoking, drug usage and excessive alcohol use. Obesity can cause such health problems as heart disease, diabetes and mobility problems. Smoking causes lung disease. Substance abuse contributes to organ failure, infectious disease, cardiac problems and other chronic illnesses.

Chronic disease prevention includes getting plenty of exercise, not smoking or consuming alcohol and enjoying a healthy and balanced diet. A diet rich with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein and limited processed high fat foods is a good starting point. Many online resources provide further guidance on eating a balanced diet. Regular exercise helps to prevent obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and Type II diabetes.

Heredity plays a role to varying degrees regarding the onset of this next grouping of chronic disease. These conditions may not be preventable, but they can be managed to lessen the impact on the quality of life.

• Arthritis
• Dementia
• Depression
• Glaucoma
• Osteoporosis
• Parkinson’s Disease

The best way to prevent the all chronic diseases is to see your doctor for regular well visits. Know the signs and symptoms of possible conditions that may run in the family. Know your family medical history to create a “watch list” of possible conditions that may develop later in life. Be observant and take heed to changes in your body. Do not dismiss all changes as normal aging.

Preventing chronic illness impacts the world one person at a time. US News reports 75% of all healthcare spending is on treating chronic disease. Billions of dollars are spent every year treating people for new onset chronic diseases, flares ups and severe complications of preventable diseases.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Stay healthy throughout the year by observing these simple strategies. For more assistance on preventing illness in the elderly, contact the caring professionals Beacon of Life Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly today with any questions.

To refer a patient to Beacon of LIFE, please contact us today at 732-592-3400 or click below!