When we’re younger, we like to think of ourselves as unstoppable. However, in adulthood, health-related issues can become more prevalent. Fortunately, most of the aches and pains you’ll experience are just part of the aging process and are not cause for alarm, but there are exceptions. It’s always good to be aware of the signs and symptoms of common health concerns that crop up for adults as they get older. To help you understand which symptoms and problems to look out for, here are four common health concerns for adults.
Chapter Overview
1. Consistent Hand Tremors
If you are experiencing excessive shakiness in your hands and are having trouble completing basic tasks like typing, drinking from a glass, or opening and closing doors, you’re likely dealing with hand tremors. Hand tremors can significantly interfere with your life quality and require medical attention to treat. Hand tremors are a common adult health concern as a person ages.
Your doctor will create a management plan to reduce the frequency and intensity of your symptoms. Your hand tremors can be an early sign of severe conditions, including stroke. If you are experiencing involuntary hand shaking, visit your care provider as soon as possible.
2. Chronic Body Pain
Our muscles and joints weaken as we age and create chronic pain throughout the body. Although chronic pain is not something everyone experiences as they age, it is one of the more common symptoms during the aging process. Chronic pain can be managed with nutrition and pain medications prescribed by your doctor.
You might also consider seeing a chiropractor to help improve your symptoms and engage in preventative care to keep symptoms from worsening over time. Getting the right bed and pillow may also help to alleviate pain during sleep and improve symptoms overall.
3. Memory Loss And Dementia
Older adults are at a greater risk of developing memory loss and dementia than their younger counterparts. If we are not getting enough rest and repair daily, our memory will not be at its best. Getting enough sleep is critical to allowing your body to recharge and refresh your mind. Getting enough rest can help the cognition, memory, and mental clarity we need.
Unfortunately, dementia is a disease that develops slowly and is often silent until symptoms have already started. Getting screenings and psychological assessments for this concern is essential for preventative care. Get in touch with your provider to reduce the intensity of memory loss and address any concerns you may have.
4. High Blood Pressure
Although high blood pressure is not a condition that can only occur later in life, it is more common for adults over 40. The amount of stress you experience, the quality of your diet, how active you are, and genetic factors play a role in your blood pressure. It is essential to attend your annual checkups with your primary care provider to ensure your blood pressure remains at normal levels.
Our bodies have to work harder in general to function as we get older, so if your diet, exercise level, and stress levels are not great, getting your blood pressure checked is even more important. Certain medications like blood thinners should also be avoided if you have high blood pressure, so checking for these is also essential to avoid potential complications.
The Bottom Line
There are many different health conditions that we are more vulnerable to as we age. While not all of these conditions are inherently determinantal, some can lead to severe issues, including stroke and death. It is essential to stay on top of your health needs to ensure that you get the necessary care to avoid health issues.