1. Senior Exercise for Successful Aging Slideshow
2. Overcoming Sexual Problems as We Age Slideshow
3. 18 Secrets for a Longer Life Slideshow

In this Article

• What are some common facts about health in seniors?
• What changes occur in the body as we age?
• What are the most common diseases and conditions seniors face as they age?
• How can social issues affect the life and health of seniors?
• What are lifestyle changes seniors can make to lead a healthy life as they age?
• What role does diet play in senior health?
• Is exercise important in health of the elderly?
• What are some of the routine medical tests for seniors?
• What are important safety measures for the elderly?
• What are some concerns regarding hospitalization of the elderly?
• What is a hospitalist, and where is my regular doctor?
• Senior Health Index

How can social issues affect the life and health of seniors?

Social issues can have a significant impact on life and both physical and mental health of seniors. Some of the major contributors to social and psychological problems for seniors are as follows:

• Loneliness from losing a spouse and friends
• Inability to independently manage regular activities of living
• Difficulty coping and accepting physical changes of aging
• Frustration with ongoing medical problems and increasing number of medications
• Social isolation as adult children are engaged in their own lives
• Feeling inadequate from inability to continue to work
• Boredom from retirement and lack of routine activities
• Financial stresses from the loss of regular income

These factors can have a negative impact on overall health of an older individual. Addressing these psychosocial problems is an integral component of seniors' complex medical care.

What are lifestyle changes seniors can make to lead a healthy life as they age?

A balanced diet and participation in regular exercise are paramount in maintaining a healthy life for people of all ages. Routine exercise and healthy diet in seniors can have an even more noticeable impact in their general well-being.

Many diseases in seniors may be prevented or at least slowed down as a result of a healthy lifestyle. Osteoporosis, arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressures, diabetes, high cholesterol, dementia, depression, and certain cancers are some of the common conditions that can be positively modified in seniors through diet, exercise, and other simple lifestyle changes.

In addition to diet and exercise, other important life style modifications to lead a healthier life in seniors include:

• Limiting alcohol intake to one drink daily
• Smoking cessation
• Using skin moisturizers and sun protection
• Brushing and flossing teeth once or twice a day
• Staying proactive in own healthcare and participating in decision making
• Going to the primary care doctor routinely
• Reviewing list of medications with their doctor(s) often
• Following recommended instructions for health screening, preventive tests, and vaccinations
• Visiting a dentist annually or biannually
• Following up with eye doctor and foot doctor, especially for people with diabetes
• Being aware of potential medication side effects and drug interactions including over-the-counter drugs, herbals, and alternative medicine
• Adhering to routine sleep schedule and using good sleep hygiene
• Engaging in routine and scheduled social activities
• Taking vacations