Top Health Concerns for Seniors
The CDC reports that 41% of American’s ages 65 and over, say that their health is good. That leaves 59% of that age group dealing with some type of chronic disease. The CDC has rated the top 15 health concerns for those people 65 +.
#1 – ARTHRITIS
Affects 49% of those 65+
#2 – HEART DISEASE
Affects 26% of women and 37% of men, 65+
#3 – CANCER
21% of women and 26% of men, 65+, are living with cancer
#4 – RESPITORY DISEASE
COPD is the #3 cause of death in those 65+
13% of women and 10% of men, ages 65+, live with asthma
11% of women and 10% of men, ages 65+, live with emphysema
#5 – AHLZEIMER’S DISEASE
1 of 9 adults (11.1%), 65+, are living with Alzheimer’s
#6 – OSTEOPOROSIS
2020 is estimated to have had 64% of those 65+, affected by osteoporosis
#7 – DIABETES
It’s estimated that 25% of those 65+, alive with diabetes
#8 – INFLUENZA & PNEUMONIA
Not officially listed as a chronic disease, however it is in the “top 8” cause of death for those 65+
#9 – FALLS
Annually 2.5 million adults 65+ are treated in E.Rs do to falls
1/3 of that group will back in an ER because of another fall within 12 months
#10 – SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The National Epidemiology Survey on Alcohol related conditions found that 20% of all those 65 +, have had an alcohol or substance abuse problem some time in their life. Alcohol and tobacco lead the substances
#11 – OBESITY
Those whose Body Mass Index is greater than 30
Ages 65-74, 40.7% of women & 36.2% of men, are classified as obese
#12 – DEPRESSION
The American Psychology Association, estimates that 15-20% of those 65+, have experienced depression
#13 – ORAL HEALTH
The CDC reports that 25% of those 65+, have no natural teeth
#14 – POVERTY
The Kaiser Family Foundation report (2015), that 45% of those 65+, were living in poverty. Women slightly out number men at age 65, but by age 80 that gap widens
#15 – SHINGLES
The National Institutes of Health estimates that by age 65, 33% of those will get shingles, and by age 80, 50% will experience shingles
