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