Old Age Diseases PDF

Aging is the irreversible progressive decline of physiological function that leads to aging-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, immune system disorders, and musculoskeletal disorders. These diseases have a significant social, economic and psychological burden.

The number of people aged 85 or more is set to triple by 2050, requiring clinicians and the public health community to develop a culture of sensitivity to the needs of this population and its subgroups. This paper provides a model for the clinical and public health needs of adults over age 85.

Normal aging and common diseases

In the context of healthy aging, most elderly people experience mild hearing loss and vision problems as well as decline in immunity. However, the emergence of several complex health states called geriatric syndromes is also common. These include frailty, urinary incontinence, falls and delirium.

Musculoskeletal disorders

Older adults are at higher risk of developing musculoskeletal disease than younger adults. Sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass and function, is one of the most common aging-related musculoskeletal conditions. It is also associated with the development of other aging-related disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.





Dementia

Almost half of all people over 85 years old have some form of dementia. Although some types of dementia can be reversible, others are not.

Advance directives on life-sustaining therapies and appointing health-care agents who can make difficult decisions in the event of a crisis are essential. Keeping in mind that the oldest-old will be the most vulnerable, we need to have these conversations with them as early as possible.