Redefining Aging: Health Challenges, Alzheimer's Insights, and the Adventure Ahead

Common Health Issues in Older Adults

Main Themes:

• Prevalence of Chronic Conditions: Older adults are increasingly likely to experience chronic health conditions. This briefing doc explores the most common conditions, their symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures.
• Impact on Quality of Life: These conditions significantly impact the quality of life for older adults and their caregivers.
• Role of Lifestyle and Prevention: While aging is inevitable, healthy lifestyle choices and preventive measures can delay onset, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life.
• Medicare and Support Systems: Understanding available resources, including Medicare coverage and community programs, is crucial for managing these conditions.

Most Important Ideas/Facts:

1. Most Common Conditions:

• Hypertension: Affects approximately 70% of Americans over 65. Often asymptomatic, necessitating regular blood pressure checks. ("The 10 Most Common Medical Conditions...")
• High Cholesterol: Affects 50% of older adults and can lead to heart disease and stroke. Regular screening is crucial due to its silent nature. ("The 10 Most Common Medical Conditions...")
• Arthritis: Affects 47% of adults 65 and older, impacting mobility and quality of life. ("The 10 Most Common Medical Conditions...")
• Heart Disease: A leading cause of hospitalization and death. 37% of older adults report a heart disease diagnosis. ("The 10 Most Common Medical Conditions...")
• Diabetes: Affects 29% of Americans over 65 and can lead to serious complications if left unmanaged. ("The 10 Most Common Medical Conditions...")
• Chronic Kidney Disease: Affects about 33% of people over 65 and often goes unnoticed until later stages. ("The 10 Most Common Medical Conditions...")
• Dementia (including Alzheimer's): Affects nearly 12% of older adults on Medicare, impacting memory, thinking, and behavior. ("The Top 10 Most Common Chronic Diseases...")
• Depression: A serious but treatable condition affecting 16% of older adults. Underdiagnosis is a concern. ("The Top 10 Most Common Chronic Diseases...")
• COPD: Affects 11% to 18% of older adults and is a leading cause of hospitalization. Smoking is a major risk factor. ("The Top 10 Most Common Chronic Diseases...")

2. Signs and Symptoms: Many conditions share symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, pain, and cognitive changes. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

3. Treatment and Management:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and social engagement are fundamental.
• Medications: Vary depending on the condition. Understanding Medicare coverage is essential.
• Therapy and Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, mental health services, and support groups can enhance quality of life.

4. Prevention:

• Healthy Aging Practices: Embracing a healthy lifestyle from a younger age can significantly reduce risks.
• Regular Screenings: Early detection is vital for managing many conditions.
• Understanding Risk Factors: Family history, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors all contribute to risk.

5. Resources and Support:

• Medicare: Provides coverage for various screenings, treatments, and services related to these conditions.
• Community Programs: Offer education, support groups, and self-management resources, such as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP).

Chapters

• 0:00 Aging and Health Challenges
• 4:29 Understanding Alzheimer's and Aging Well
• 14:40 Embracing the Aging Adventure

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:19

Welcome to another Deep Dive. Today we're going to be looking at, well as we age, the health landscape and you know the listeners have given us quite a bit to work with here a lot of articles and reports from a lot of different sources.

Speaker 2: 0:32

Yeah yeah, it seems like they really wanted us to take a look at a lot of different perspectives here, which is good.

Speaker 1: 0:37

Yeah, we've got agingcarecom. Alzheimer's Association, elite Care, hc Medical News Today even Chapter Medicare.

Speaker 2: 0:47

Oh, wow.

Speaker 1: 0:48

And the National Council on Aging. It is comprehensive, it is, it is it really is, and you know it's a lot to go through, but you know what? That's what we do here.

Speaker 2: 0:56

That's right. That's the fun of it.

Speaker 1: 0:58

That's the fun, right. So I've got to admit right off the bat. In that aging care dot com article something really stood out to me and it said that you know, because of all these medical advancements, people are living longer than ever, which is great, but longer lifespan doesn't necessarily mean we're adding years of healthy living.

Speaker 2: 1:16

Yeah, that's a really important distinction to make. You know, I think oftentimes we really focus on just living longer, but what we really want to be focusing on is living healthier for longer. Right, like extending what they call the health span.

Speaker 1: 1:29

Right, so it's not just about living longer, it's about living well for longer. Exactly, okay, so that makes sense. So if that's the case, then it becomes really important to understand all the health challenges we're going to be facing, right?

Speaker 2: 1:40

Yeah, as we get older challenges we're going to be facing, right, yeah, as we get older. Exactly Because if you understand what you're up against, then you can be a little bit more proactive in terms of how you approach your help.

Speaker 1: 1:50

And we've got a lot to be concerned about according to these articles. A lot of them pointed to conditions that become more prevalent after 65. All you know all the usual suspects.

Speaker 2: 2:02

Yeah.

Speaker 1: 2:02

Arthritis, heart disease, stroke yeah, cancer yeah.

Speaker 2: 2:06

Those are. Those are definitely the big ones, and I think people forget. You know, even though cancer is a huge one, pneumonia and the flu can be really really dangerous for older adults too. Yeah, Because you know their immune systems aren't quite as robust, and so you know it can lead to complications.

Speaker 1: 2:22

Right. And then of course there's just accidents like falls. That Elite Care HC article really emphasized how dangerous those can be, absolutely Especially if they lead to a hip fracture.

Speaker 2: 2:34

Yeah, and you know, sometimes people don't realize that a fall can actually be an indicator of another underlying health problem. So, for instance, it could point to osteoporosis.

Speaker 1: 2:44

Osteoporosis? Ok, I've heard that term, but honestly I don't really know what it is.

Speaker 2: 2:48

So basically, osteoporosis is, it's a condition that makes your bones really weak, and it's often caused by, you know, a calcium deficiency over a long period of time. And the thing is oftentimes people don't even realize they have it until they actually have a fracture.

Speaker 1: 3:03

So basically it's like this silent thing that's happening Exactly.

Speaker 2: 3:07

Exactly. It could be going on for years and years and years.

Speaker 1: 3:10

Does that mean, we should all be taking calcium supplements?

Speaker 2: 3:13

Well, you know, I would say calcium is really important for bone health. However, it's never a good idea to self-medicate Right, talk to your doctor, get you know, get checked out, see if you have a deficiency.

Speaker 1: 3:24

Okay, so talk to your doctor before you just start taking supplements.

Speaker 2: 3:27

Absolutely. But, that being said, there are some things you can do to prevent this. And actually, the Elite Care HC article. They mentioned some things like weight-bearing exercises, so like lifting weights or even just like a really brisk walk can help you maintain your bone density, and then things that improve your balance, so things like Tai Chi or yoga can help you be more stable and hopefully reduce the risk of falling.

Speaker 1: 3:53

Okay, so simple things like that can actually make a big difference. Exactly that's good to know. Okay, let's shift gears a bit here, because I was really interested in the information that came from the Alzheimer's Association.

Speaker 2: 4:05

Yeah, Alzheimer's is a big one.

Speaker 1: 4:07

It is. I mean, it's definitely something that I think about a lot. I worry about, of course, what really struck you from that source.

Speaker 2: 4:14

Well, the numbers, the number of people that are actually dealing with Alzheimer's right now, is pretty staggering. Did you know that like 6.5 million Americans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's?

Speaker 1: 4:26

Wow yeah it's a lot. That's a huge number. You know, I always get dementia and Alzheimer's confused.

Speaker 2: 4:32

Yeah, it can be confusing.

Speaker 1: 4:33

What's the difference?

Speaker 2: 4:34

So basically think of dementia as the umbrella term right. So dementia basically means that there's some sort of cognitive decline happening. Alzheimer's is a type of dementia, it's just the most common type.

Speaker 1: 4:47

Okay, so it's like a category within a category.

Speaker 2: 4:49

Exactly.

Speaker 1: 4:50

Gotcha Okay. So what exactly is happening in the brain with Alzheimer's?

Speaker 2: 4:53

Well, it's a little complicated, but basically what happens is there's a buildup of certain proteins in the brain and it messes with the communication between the brain cells oh wow. And it messes with the communication between the brain cells, oh wow. And so that leads to, you know, memory decline. You know problems thinking and eventually, you know people have trouble just doing like basic everyday things.

Speaker 1: 5:13

That sounds really scary. Yeah, are there any early warning signs that we should be looking out for?

Speaker 2: 5:18

Yeah, there are actually quite a few. The Chapter of Medicare article had a whole list of them, ten in fact. Early warning signs. One that I thought was interesting was having difficulty completing familiar tasks. Yeah, so like imagine somebody you know who's always managed their finances really well and then suddenly they're having trouble like balancing their checkbook. Or you know, you've got a really great cook in the family and all of a sudden they can't follow a simple recipe, right, you know it's not just a slip up. It could actually be an early sign.

Speaker 1: 5:53

Wow, yeah, that really puts it into perspective. What other warning signs, did any other stand out to you?

Speaker 2: 5:59

Yeah, confusion with time or place is another one, so like getting lost in a familiar place or forgetting appointments or not knowing what day it is, those are things to watch out for.

Speaker 1: 6:11

It's tough, though, because I feel like sometimes those things just happen as you get older.

Speaker 2: 6:15

Right, right, and that's why it's. You know, it's not necessarily something to panic about every time you forget something, but it's more about recognizing a pattern. Is it something that's happening kind of gradually? Is it really interfering with their daily life?

Speaker 1: 6:31

Right, so it's not like one instance. Exactly You're looking for more of like a change.

Speaker 2: 6:35

Up over time.

Speaker 1: 6:36

Okay, so it sounds like early detection is really important.

Speaker 2: 6:39

Absolutely, especially because right now there's no cure for Alzheimer's, right, you know. But if you catch it early, there are things you can do to manage the symptoms, to maybe slow down the progression and just improve their quality of life.

Speaker 1: 6:52

And the caregiver's quality of life too.

Speaker 2: 6:53

Exactly, exactly.

Speaker 1: 6:55

Because that's a whole other issue, right? Yeah, you know, as we're talking about managing health, I'm noticing this kind of theme coming up.

Speaker 2: 7:04

Yeah.

Speaker 1: 7:04

A lot of the articles talked about how the choices that we make can really impact how we age. That's true. The Chapter Medicare article highlighted four main areas Healthy diet, regular exercise, staying socially connected and using preventative services.

Speaker 2: 7:21

Yeah, I mean it really is empowering to think about it that way, right Like we're not just kind of at the mercy of whatever happens.

Speaker 1: 7:27

Right.

Speaker 2: 7:27

We can actually do things to influence our health.

Speaker 1: 7:30

Exactly, it's about making good choices now.

Speaker 2: 7:32

Yeah.

Speaker 1: 7:33

That can hopefully pay off later.

Speaker 2: 7:34

Absolutely.

Speaker 1: 7:35

That actually ties into what the National Council on Aging was saying about social isolation.

Speaker 2: 7:41

Yeah.

Speaker 1: 7:42

They were saying that it actually increases the risks of some of the conditions that we've been talking about. Oh, absolutely, like heart disease, depression, even cognitive decline.

Speaker 2: 7:50

Yeah, and it makes sense right, because when you're interacting with other people, it keeps your brain active, it combats loneliness and it also provides support system.

Speaker 1: 8:01

Right. So it's not just about having somebody to hang out with.

Speaker 2: 8:04

Exactly, exactly. It's really important for our well-being. Yeah, for your health.

Speaker 1: 8:08

That's fascinating. So basically taking care of our social and emotional needs can actually impact our physical health.

Speaker 2: 8:14

Absolutely, and the other way around too.

Speaker 1: 8:16

Oh right.

Speaker 2: 8:17

Of course, if you're not feeling well, it's hard to be social.

Speaker 1: 8:21

Right, it goes both ways. That's a great point. The Medical News Today article had this term to new normal health yeah, and they were basically saying that technology and online communities are really changing the way that we approach health care. Especially for seniors, Especially for seniors. Yeah, they talked about telehealth appointments. You know online support groups, even apps that can remind you to take your medication.

Speaker 2: 8:46

Oh, wow.

Speaker 1: 8:47

So many cool things.

Speaker 2: 8:48

It's amazing, it is.

Speaker 1: 8:49

It really is amazing. It's almost like we're creating this digital safety net, yeah, for people who might be isolated.

Speaker 2: 8:55

Exactly.

Speaker 1: 8:56

That's incredible.

Speaker 2: 9:08

And you know it also plays into what the National Council on. Aging was saying about ageism, because these online communities are helping to challenge stereotypes about what it means to be older Right and to showcase, you know what older adults are capable of.

Speaker 1: 9:14

So it's not about pretending that aging is perfect. No, it's just about recognizing that there's, you know, all these different experiences that come with it. Okay, so if we were to distill everything that we've learned so far, what would be the main takeaway for our listener?

Speaker 2: 9:31

I would say the main takeaway is that aging does come with some health challenges, right, but understanding those challenges and just being proactive can make a huge difference in your quality of life. You know, take care of your physical health, your mental and emotional well-being, and stay connected.

Speaker 1: 9:47

Well said. It's so important to remember that we have some control over this process.

Speaker 2: 9:52

Absolutely. We're not just along for the ride, we're actually driving.

Speaker 1: 9:55

I love that. Ok, so we're in the driver's seat, but let's be real, there are probably going to be some bumps along the way. What are some of the challenges that our listener might run into when it comes to managing their health as they get older?

Speaker 2: 10:07

Well, access to quality care is a big one that comes up again and again. You know finding doctors who specialize in geriatrics, dealing with insurance and Medicare Right, Making sure that you're getting the care that's specifically tailored to your needs as an older adult.

Speaker 1: 10:23

Right, and also just the cost of health care Absolutely Can be a big burden for a lot of seniors. Yeah, especially if they're on a fixed income.

Speaker 2: 10:30

Yeah.

Speaker 1: 10:30

The Elite Care HC article talked about how some conditions, like chronic kidney disease, often go undetected until they're really advanced and that leads to even more problems and higher costs.

Speaker 2: 10:43

Absolutely. Prevention is key.

Speaker 1: 10:45

Right.

Speaker 2: 10:45

But it's not always easy or affordable.

Speaker 1: 10:48

Right, and then there's also the emotional and social stuff that comes along with aging and health issues, of course. The National Council on Aging mentioned things like social isolation, the burden of caregiving.

Speaker 2: 10:59

Yeah.

Speaker 1: 11:00

The stigma associated with certain conditions.

Speaker 2: 11:02

All very important factors.

Speaker 1: 11:03

It's not just about treating the physical symptoms. It's about the whole person.

Speaker 2: 11:07

Exactly their emotional well-being, their support system, you know their overall quality of life.

Speaker 1: 11:13

So advocating for yourself or your loved ones is really important. It is as you get older.

Speaker 2: 11:17

Yeah, it's about knowing your rights, understanding what resources are available and, you know, just making your voice heard.

Speaker 1: 11:25

That makes me think about what the Medical News Today article said about technology. Yeah, you know, they talked about all the great things that it can do.

Speaker 2: 11:32

Right.

Speaker 1: 11:32

But there are also some downsides. Definitely, Like you know, not everybody's comfortable with technology. There are privacy concerns, the risk of getting bad information online.

Speaker 2: 11:42

Absolutely. You have to be careful. You can't just believe everything you read.

Speaker 1: 11:45

Right. So it's about being smart about how we use technology.

Speaker 2: 11:48

Exactly, you know. Just like you have to be a smart consumer when it comes to health care services, you also have to be a smart consumer when it comes to information online.

Speaker 1: 11:58

It all comes back to this idea of taking control of our health journey.

Speaker 2: 12:01

Yeah.

Speaker 1: 12:02

It's not just about accepting what happens.

Speaker 2: 12:04

No.

Speaker 1: 12:05

It's about really being proactive. It is Seeking out information and resources and support.

Speaker 2: 12:11

You got it. You're not a passive bystander, you're actually in control.

Speaker 1: 12:15

Okay, so we're in the driver's seat, we're ready to be proactive. What are some practical steps that our listener can take to start this process?

Speaker 2: 12:24

Well, first and foremost, I would say, establish a good relationship with your doctor.

Speaker 1: 12:28

Okay.

Speaker 2: 12:28

You know, go for regular checkups, don't be afraid to ask questions and just make sure that you have that open communication.

Speaker 1: 12:36

So having a doctor that you trust, that you feel comfortable with, Exactly Is really important.

Speaker 2: 12:41

Absolutely, that can make a world of difference. And also don't underestimate the power of lifestyle changes. That chapter, medicare article, really emphasized that.

Speaker 1: 12:51

Oh right, they talked about healthy diet.

Speaker 2: 12:53

Yeah.

Speaker 1: 12:53

Exercise, stress management, sleep All the things that are important, no matter how old you are.

Speaker 2: 12:59

Exactly.

Speaker 1: 12:59

But maybe even more important as we get older.

Speaker 2: 13:01

Absolutely, and you know it doesn't have to be huge changes. It can be small things that you incorporate into your routine.

Speaker 1: 13:07

So like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or adding more vegetables to your meals.

Speaker 2: 13:12

Yeah, simple things like that.

Speaker 1: 13:14

Okay. What about staying connected? Are there any practical tips for maintaining those relationships as we get older?

Speaker 2: 13:21

Yeah, you know, it really comes down to being intentional about it. So make an effort to reach out to people, join groups or activities that interest you. You know the National Council on Aging actually talked about volunteering as a great way to stay connected. Oh, yeah, and to give back to the community.

Speaker 1: 13:40

And that helps you too, right. Absolutely, it gives you a sense of purpose.

Speaker 2: 13:43

Yeah, it keeps you active, it makes you feel good.

Speaker 1: 13:45

So basically, staying engaged with life is really important as we age. It's not about slowing down, it's about finding new ways to participate.

Speaker 2: 13:53

Exactly, exactly, all right.

Speaker 1: 13:55

So, as we wrap up this part of our deep dive, what's one action step our listener can take today to start being more proactive about their health?

Speaker 2: 14:03

I would say pick up the phone and schedule a checkup with your doctor, even if you feel fine, even if you feel fine, just go in talk to them, ask questions and get that personalized advice.

Speaker 1: 14:15

It's all about taking that first step. It is yeah, no matter how small that first step is, you know.

Speaker 2: 14:18

Exactly, and you know. Going back to taking action, that Medical News Today article really got me thinking about the future, you know, for seniors, because health care is always changing.

Speaker 1: 14:31

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 14:31

There's always these new innovations popping up, so it really got me thinking what role will you play in all this?

Speaker 1: 14:38

Oh, that's a great question.

Speaker 2: 14:39

Right.

Speaker 1: 14:40

It is, it is. You know, we spent this whole deep dive just kind of looking at the landscape of aging and health, Right, but now it's about OK, what do we do with this information?

Speaker 2: 14:50

Exactly what are you going to do? Are you going to be one of those people that jumps in and tries out all the new technology, or are you going to be an advocate and try to get better access to care for yourself and for other people?

Speaker 1: 15:02

Yeah, yeah.

Speaker 2: 15:07

Are you going to speak up and try to you know change the way people think about aging. Right it's, it's really up to you.

Speaker 1: 15:11

Well, there's so much we can do.

Speaker 2: 15:12

There is, and that's the exciting part. It means that we're not, you know, just sitting around waiting for things to happen.

Speaker 1: 15:18

We're part of it.

Speaker 2: 15:18

We're part of the change.

Speaker 1: 15:19

I love that. I love that. Well, I think that's a perfect place to wrap up this deep dive.

Speaker 2: 15:24

Yeah, I think so too.

Speaker 1: 15:25

We really covered a lot.

Speaker 2: 15:26

We did.

Speaker 1: 15:27

Today, you know, from understanding those common health challenges to exploring the role of technology and being proactive about our health.

Speaker 2: 15:36

Yeah, it's been amazing, it really has, and I hope that our listener feels you know more informed and empowered.

Speaker 1: 15:42

Empowered.

Speaker 2: 15:43

To take control of their health? Yes, knowing that they have the information and the resources to make the best decisions for themselves.

Speaker 1: 15:51

Couldn't have said it better myself. A huge thank you to you, oh thank you For joining us and sharing your expertise.

Speaker 2: 15:56

It's been my pleasure.

Speaker 1: 15:57

And to our listeners keep learning, keep asking questions.

Speaker 2: 16:02

Absolutely.

Speaker 1: 16:02

And you know what? Just keep embracing this amazing adventure that we call aging.

Speaker 2: 16:07

Here here.

Speaker 1: 16:07

Thank you for joining us for this deep dive.