Managing
Chronic Diseases and Promoting Well-being in Old Age
Chronic
diseases can have a profound impact on the health and quality of life of elder
Americans, not to mention the financial burden that is often associated with
long-term illness. The most common chronic diseases afflicting the elderly are:
Adult onset diabetes, arthritis, kidney and bladder problems, dementia,
Parkinson’s disease, glaucoma, lung disease, cataracts, osteoporosis, enlarged
prostate, Alzheimer’s disease, muscular degeneration, depression,
cardiovascular disease. A lot of the sickness, disability and even death
associated with chronic disease can be avoided through preventive measures.
Usually
when an older person is diagnosed with a chronic condition, there is an
immediate feeling of facing a loss of freedom and autonomy, a sense that his or
her days of living independently at home are numbered. This fear may actually
make your aging parents refuse to seek help. Experts agree that one of the most
practical ways an adult child can help parents facing a chronic illness is by
providing information about available resources to enhance their independence
and quality of life. Older Americans are disproportionately affected by chronic
diseases and conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease, as well
as by disabilities that result from injuries such as falls. More than one-third
of adults 65 or older fall each year. Twenty-one percent of the population age
60 and older, 10.3 million people has diabetes. Seven of every 10 Americans who
die each year, or more than 1.7 million people, die of a chronic disease.
Chronic
conditions are the greatest concern to quality of life in older people because
they are conditions which are long term, more than three months. Chronic
conditions are often permanent leaving disabilities that may require long term
care. More than 80% of people over the age of 70 have at least one chronic
condition, often leaving the person with continuous pain and distress. Exercise and regular visits to physicians are some of the most common ways to prevent chronic illnesses. Although, some diseases are not preventable, many diseases affecting the elderly can be managed and treated, even at the ending stages of one’s life.
Suffering from an illness can not only affect
the running of your social life, but can also have a major impact on your sex
life. Chronic illness is the main concern, as this incorporates conditions that
you suffer from for a long period of time. Such illnesses include heart
disease, cancer and arthritis. Having a chronic illness can result in your
energy decreasing, and may involve the use of medication or surgery, which can have
an adverse effect on your sex life. However, with the desire to improve your
sex life and the help of your partner, such illnesses can be prohibited from
putting an end to your sex life.
Link to Video Clip
Hooyman, Nancy R, and H A. Kiyak. Social
Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Perspective. Boston: Pearson/Allyn &
Bacon, 2011. Print.
Scholarly Journal
Aging and the Environment: A Research Framework
Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 113, No. 9 (Sep., 2005), pp. 1257-1262
http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/HCLTC/Evidence_Based/index.aspx
I like this site because it gives great information about all aspects of aging and includes specific numbers and data that is reliable and accurate.
This site is a great source for facts, figures and great information about chronic diseases, illness and pain. Its facts are sound and backed up with reliable data by health care professionals.
“Miraculously recover or die. That's the extent of our cultural bandwidth for chronic illness.”
―
S. Kelley Harrell
