Increased Risk of Disease Lesson

Super Foods for Seniors Image

#1 Salmon and other fatty fish--low in calories and saturated fat, yet high in protein ad omega-3
#2 walnuts, almonds, and other nuts--high fat, but lower cholesterol food that may reduce the risk o heart disease
#3 carrots--anti-oxidant rich rood that may help prevent Alzheimer's disease and lower the odds of losing eyesight Disease can happen at any age. However, it becomes more common as adults age. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that 88% of adults over age 65 have at least one chronic condition. These statistics suggest that many older adults face health issues and disease. The most common health problems are listed below.

Hypertension

Review the following statements. Consider how each statement relates to your own personal choices:

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How many of these statements accurately describe your own personal choices? The more you resonated with, the healthier your lifestyle.

Hypertension

Hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated. This requires the heart to work harder than normal to circulate blood through the blood vessels. This is sometimes classified in the heart disease category. However, it is controllable with diet, exercise, and sometimes medication. There are some nutritional recommendations to keep hypertension in check. If you are over age 50, about 2/3 of a teaspoon of table salt--1500 milligrams (mg) of sodium--is all you need each day. That includes all the sodium in your food and drink, not just the salt you add when cooking or eating. If your doctor tells you to use less salt, ask about a salt substitute. Some contain sodium. Also, don't add salt during cooking or at the table, and avoid salty snacks and processed foods. Look for the word 'sodium,' not 'salt,' on the Nutrition Facts panel. Choose foods labeled as 'low-sodium.'

Heart Disease and Cholesterol

Heart disease affects over 5 million people a year. It is more common in adults over age 65. However, studies are finding that it is affecting thousands under the age of 60. There are risk factors that increase the risk for contracting heart disease. They are:

Family history of heart disease
Diabetes mellitus
Age (65 and older)
Women, after the onset of menopause
Cigarette smoking
Being overweight by 30 percent
Hypertension -- high blood pressure
High cholesterol
Stressful lifestyle
Sedentary lifestyle

There are some ways to prevent the onset of heart disease. Choosing lean cuts of meat, fish and poultry contribute to your overall health. Low-fat diary and condiments are crucial to keeping your diet clean. Grilling, broiling, baking, stir-frying, and steaming are all healthier cooking styles.

Cancer

Most types of cancer occur in people over age 50. However, testicular cancer and breast cancer can be found in people of any age. The abnormal growth of cells can spread to other body organs and prove to be fatal. It is important to eat a healthy diet full of antioxidants to delay the onset of cancer symptoms and prevent the disease.

Eat a diet high in fiber, which is found in foods from plants—fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Eating more fiber might prevent stomach or intestine problems, like constipation. It might also help lower cholesterol, as well as blood sugar.

It is better to get fiber from food than dietary supplements. Start adding more fiber slowly to avoid unwanted gas. Here are some tips for adding fiber:

Tips for Adding Dietary Fiber Image

--Eat cooked dry beans, peas, and Lentils often.
--Leave skins on your fruit and vegetables if possible.
--Choose whole fruit over fruit juice.
--Eat whole-grain breads and cereals.
--Drink plenty of liquids to help fiber move through your intestines.

Eye-Sight Related Diseases

Not only do the body organs start to weaken with age, but so do the eyes. Some people might develop age-related Macular Degeneration which is the loss of vision in the center of the vision field. Glaucoma, vision loss due to improper eye pressure, may also develop, and may be treated with special eye drops to keep the pressure down.

Cataracts develop with age as well. This is a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes opaque (cloudy), and if left untreated, it will cause blindness. Finally, a severe condition can develop when the blood vessels to the retina become damaged. This is called Retinopathy.

Self-Assessment

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