Diseases You Should Be Actively Preventing As You Age

As we get older, we naturally become a little more susceptible to a wide range of conditions. This may be due to the gradual weakening of our immune systems, changes in lifestyle habits, or the buildup of stressors that can eventually start taking their toll. However, no condition should be treated as a “given.” A lot can be done to prevent a whole host of diseases, including the following.

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The Flu

While we might think of the flu as a routine seasonal illness for much of our lives, as we get older, it’s important to take it seriously. Aging naturally affects the immune system, and preventing diseases like the flu becomes crucial. This makes it harder for the body to recover quickly from viral infections.

The flu can lead to prolonged exhaustion, dehydration, and complications that disrupt daily life much more than they would in younger years. It can also take a lot longer to get better from. Thankfully, there is a vaccine that generally becomes much more widely available when you’re older, helping in the effort to prevent this disease.

Shingles

It might sound like an old-timey disease we don’t get anymore, but shingles is much more common than we think. It’s an infection caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox. There is a vaccine for it, as well. It is recommended for those with weakened immune systems, but by learning what shingles looks like, you can also get treatment as soon as possible.

It’s rarely dangerous, but it’s a long-lasting and painful infection affecting the skin. It can also lead to long-term nerve sensitivity, so the sooner you treat it, the better. Prevention of this disease is typically recommended, however, as it helps to prevent disease in general.

Heart Disease

The heart and circulatory system changes with age, such as the stiffening of blood vessels. This can make us more prone to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease as a result. These conditions often progress gradually, beneath the notice of the average person. We tend to dismiss their early red flags as the natural signs of aging.

However, if you notice shortness of breath, unusual levels of fatigue, or swelling, you should talk to your doctor as soon as you can. Lifestyle changes and medication can help you prevent heart disease and ensure a healthy heart for years to come, allowing you to actively prevent disease.

Joint Pain

The stresses of life can cause joint stiffness and reduced flexibility. We’re also more prone to bone density changes as we get older, as well. Conditions like osteoarthritis can progress over time, so catching them in the early stages can be very important. If you notice knee pain after a walk, back pain when getting up, or discomfort with climbing stairs, arrange for a bone density scan as soon as you can.

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Supplements can help support bone health, while gentle exercises can support your physical independence and mobility for a lot longer. Both approaches can help to prevent these painful joint diseases as you work to prevent disease in general.

The above conditions, even those that might not necessarily be considered life-threatening, can definitely worsen your quality of life and lead to dangerous complications. For that reason, make sure that you’re giving preventative healthcare the focus it needs to help prevent disease.