Prioritizing one’s health and well-being becomes more crucial as Canadians enjoy their golden years. While aging is a natural process, seniors can greatly improve their quality of life by being aware of potential health challenges. We’ll look at three prevalent illnesses that older Canadians should know about in this post, along with insightful analysis and useful advice for a happier, healthier aging process.
Shingles
Chickenpox and herpes zoster are caused by the same virus, which also causes shingles. If you have previously had chickenpox, the virus is still dormant in your body and may reactivate as shingles at a later age. In addition to causing excruciating blisters or rash that can linger for weeks, shingles can also cause nerve discomfort that can linger for months or even years. With 90% of persons over 50 believed to have experienced chickenpox, shingles is a problem for older Canadians. It is anticipated that one in three Canadians will acquire shingles at some point in their lives.
Shingles can be avoided, but treatment options may be restricted. For those 50 years of age and older, immunization is advised by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and the Comité sur l’immunisation du Québec (CIQ) in order to help prevent shingles. Additionally, the CIQ advises immunization for immunocompromised individuals 18 years of age and older.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is a common virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages and is very contagious. Even while RSV is typically linked to newborns and early children, individuals 60 years of age and older are also more vulnerable to serious infection.
The elderly population is more susceptible to infections and health issues, such as RSV, due to the normal deterioration of immune function with aging. Furthermore, RSV immunity is transient, so even if you’ve already had it, you could still contract it. There are several ways to help prevent getting infected with the virus: getting vaccinated, washing your hands often, sanitizing surfaces around you, and avoiding close contact with sick people.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a lung condition that might involve emphysema or chronic bronchitis. It can develop gradually over several years and results in a constriction of the airways. Most persons over 40 are usually diagnosed with it, and many people may not even be aware that they have it. Long-lasting colds, coughs that last longer than three months, wheezing or whistling when breathing, and dyspnea during daily activities are some of the symptoms. Breathlessness is not a typical aging symptom, and people who experience it should consult a doctor. Individuals who have the illness also have an increased chance of diabetes, low bone density, and cardiac problems. The good news is that with treatment, COPD can be controlled.
Older Canadians can embrace their golden years with resilience, vigor, and a restored feeling of well-being by learning more about these prevalent ailments and adopting proactive measures towards better health. In the end, adding years to life—rather than just years—is the goal of healthy aging.
Learn more about these conditions at https://newscanada.com/en/healthy-aging-3a-3-common-illnesses-older-canadians-should-know-about-137353
Reference: https://newscanada.com/
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