Your bones creak. Your back hurts for no discernable reason. You’re getting old.

The lush, prosperous lifestyle that Americans lead has extended our lifespan. You can expect to live until your 80’s on average. That means more time with your family and friends, more time to experience the world.

It also means more physical challenges to deal with. Old people problems revolve around health concerns. You might be able to keep your mind fresh until the day you die but bodies tend to fall apart.

So what should you look out for as you get older? Keep reading to find out.

Health Problems Affecting the Elderly

Everyone eventually gets sick. If we didn’t, we would live forever. Some health issues, however, are associated with age.

The absolute best way to stay healthy and happy is to know what’s coming and to prepare for it. You can’t be 25 again but you can be a relatively fit 70-year-old if you work at it.

1. Arthritis

Painful, swollen joints affect millions of Americans. The problem can be a slight annoyance that slows down your movements or it can be downright crippling. Government officials claim that a whopping 50% of people over 65 are afflicted with the terrible condition.

The good news is that the diagnosis isn’t a death sentence. There’s a lot that you can do to mitigate the symptoms and make your life easier. Manage your weight, exercise, and stay mentally active.

Depending on your overall health, there might be medications that you can take as well. Speak to your doctor and develop a plan of action.

2. Obesity

Ahh, the mid-life spread. We’ve all heard of it and many of us have experienced it ourselves. You reach a certain age and suddenly any junk food you eat is clinging to your hips and padding your stomach.

Obesity makes your life more difficult than it needs to be. If you’re suffering from multiple serious health problems being overweight can make all of them worse.

The problem is that old age hits you with roadblocks that can severely impede your ability to drop excess weight. You lose muscle mass, making it more difficult to exercise. If you do get moving you won’t burn as many calories as you used to because your metabolism is slower.

3. Influenza

The elderly are particularly susceptible to contracting the flu. It’s one of the most common aging issues that people face. Your immune system falters as you age and your body struggles to fight off infections.

Being over 65 greatly increases the chance that you’ll suffer from complications if you get sick. You might develop sepsis or worse.

The flu and pneumonia are among the top 10 causes of death among old people. You can reduce your risk by getting a yearly flu shot and the pneumonia vaccine. Wash your hands constantly and avoid people who are ill.

4. Falls

Obviously falling over isn’t a health problem itself but the consequences can be pretty horrible. Especially because a lot of old people have fragile bones. There’s a reason that hip and knee replacements are common once you reach a certain age.

One of the best ways to protect yourself from falling if it becomes a problem for you is to hire home help. This company can help you choose a trusted, respectable nurse. You don’t want to allow an unvetted person to live inside your home.

You can also set up your home so it’s easy to navigate. Move anything that you might trip over out of the way and consider living in a single story rather than two story house.

5. Depression

Clinical depression can hit you hard as you age. Doctors often have trouble spotting it because they attribute the low feelings to natural life changes. Your body is losing its’vigor, loved ones are passing away.

There’s a difference, however, between feeling sad about a negative situation and actually being depressed. Depression among seniors is a serious problem. No one should have to spend their golden years feeling miserable.

Pay attention to how you feel. You know yourself better than anyone. If you think something might be wrong, speak to your doctor.

6. Dental Issues

A huge percentage of elderly people no longer have any natural teeth. That’s because oral health decays as people get older. Your mouth dries out and cavities become common.

Poor teeth can lead to dangerous infections as well as make it difficult for you to eat. If you’re not careful you’ll end up with dentures or a mouthful of implants.

You can try to prevent this by seeing your dentist regularly and making sure you continue to practice good oral habits. Keeping your mouth healthy should become a top priority after you become 65.

7. Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Your body isn’t the only part of you at risk as you get older. Your mind can be negatively affected as well. Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that can rob you of your entire personality.

Unfortunately, science hasn’t found a cure yet. Studies have indicated that there are things that you can do to reduce your risk but nothing is certain.

Enjoy your life while your mind is strong. Don’t allow your brain to become weak, constantly test yourself with puzzles and social interaction. It may not save you from eventually developing dementia but it might delay its onset.

You Can Manage Old People Problems

Aging is a natural, necessary process. Everyone would love to have a strong, youthful body forever but that’s not reality. Health problems accumulate every year that you’re alive.

But you know what? It’s not all bad. With age comes wisdom.

The young look up to the old for advice for good reasons. You’re experienced. You know what you’re doing.

Old people problems can be tough to deal with but you can handle it.

Sometimes you just need a little help. That’s why we’ve created countless blogs with tips designed to help you navigate the more difficult parts of life. Keep reading our site and you’ll find helpful advice for almost any situation.