According to the CDC, over 85% of U.S. adults aged 65 and over suffer from at least one chronic illness, and about 65-75% of those adults suffer from two or more chronic illnesses [1]. Managing these chronic conditions is crucial for maintaining quality of life, independence, and overall health in older adults.
Effective chronic disease self-management involves a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle modifications, and support systems to address the multifaceted challenges posed by chronic illnesses. This guide will explore strategies and best practices for managing chronic health conditions.
Common Chronic Conditions During Aging
As we get older, it's common to develop some health issues that can affect our daily lives. Here are some of the most common chronic conditions you might experience:
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): High blood pressure doesn't always show symptoms but can lead to serious problems like heart disease, strokes, and kidney issues. According to the CDC, 63.1 percent of adults aged 60 and over have hypertension compared to 33.2% among those aged 40-59 and 7.5% among those aged 18-39 [2].
- Arthritis: This condition causes pain and stiffness in your joints, making it harder to move around. There are many types of arthritis, but the most common in older adults are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Diabetes: Diabetes affects how your body processes sugar and can lead to complications like heart disease, vision problems, and nerve damage.
- Heart Disease: This includes a range of conditions like coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and heart failure. Keeping your heart healthy involves eating well, staying active, taking medications as prescribed, and avoiding smoking.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD is a respiratory issue that includes conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which make it hard to breathe. Managing COPD involves medications, breathing exercises, and sometimes oxygen therapy.
- Osteoporosis: This condition weakens your bones, making them more likely to break. It's important to get enough calcium and vitamin D, stay active, and take any medications your doctor recommends to keep your bones strong.
- Depression and Anxiety: Aging, chronic pains and illnesses, and living without family can lead to an increased risk of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These are common among seniors.
- Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: These conditions affect memory, thinking, and behavior. While there's no cure, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Depression: Feeling down or losing interest in things you used to enjoy can be signs of depression, which is common in older adults. Talking to your doctor, getting support from loved ones, and sometimes taking medication can help.
Taking care of these chronic conditions often means working closely with your healthcare team, staying on top of your medications, and making healthy lifestyle choices.
Helpful Tips for Managing Chronic Conditions for Older Adults
Helpful tips for managing chronic conditions include regular medical check-ups, following treatment plans, maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, monitoring health at home, managing stress, getting enough sleep, etc.
1. Regular Medical Check-Ups
Frequent visits to your healthcare provider are essential. Regular check-ups help monitor your condition, adjust treatments as needed, and catch any new issues early. It's important to keep all your medical appointments and stay up to date with screenings and vaccinations.
2. Follow Your Treatment Plan; Proper Medication Management
Adhering to the treatment plan prescribed by your physician is crucial. This includes taking medications as directed, attending therapy sessions, and following dietary and lifestyle recommendations. Keep a list of your medications and their dosages to ensure you're taking them correctly.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can significantly impact your physical and mental health. Managing chronic conditions often involves dietary adjustments, such as reducing salt for hypertension or controlling carbohydrate intake for diabetes.
4. Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise helps manage many chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) emphasizes that exercise can help older adults maintain a healthy weight, manage chronic conditions, and enhance mood and mental function [3].
5. Monitor Your Health at Home
Keep track of your health by monitoring vital signs like blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and weight. Many chronic conditions benefit from home monitoring, which can help you and your healthcare team make timely adjustments to your treatment plan.
6. Manage Stress
The management of chronic conditions can be stressful, especially when dealing with multiple chronic conditions. Therefore, managing stress is crucial for overall well-being. Practice relaxation techniques and evidence-based treatment options like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
7. Get Enough Sleep
Quality sleep is vital for managing chronic conditions. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a regular sleep routine. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor, as untreated sleep issues can worsen your condition.
To give you enough time to sleep and rest better, you can have a caregiver or loved one manage some of your daily activities to take some of the work off your shoulders.
8. Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for overall health. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and limit beverages that can dehydrate you, such as alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Your doctor can advise on the right amount of fluids for your specific condition.
9. Join Support Groups
Connecting with others who have similar chronic conditions can provide emotional support and practical advice. Community-based support groups, whether in person or online, offer a sense of community and can help you feel less isolated.
10. Communicate with Your Healthcare Team
Keep an open line of communication with your healthcare providers. Report any new symptoms or side effects from medications promptly. Don't hesitate to ask questions or express concerns about your treatment plan.
11. Plan for Emergencies
Have a plan in place for managing your chronic condition during emergencies. This includes keeping an updated list of your medications, having a supply of your medications on hand, and knowing what to do if you experience a sudden worsening of your condition.
According to a study cited by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), in 2005, $2.6 billion was spent by Medicare and Medicaid services on acute hospital costs for potentially avoidable hospitalizations among dual-eligible nursing home residents, signifying the prevalence of chronic health outcomes among older adults.
While these programs are designed to create a cost-effective way to tackle health conditions as you age, you can achieve healthy aging by properly preparing yourself using the tips above.
The Benefits of Properly Managing Chronic Illnesses as You Age
Taking good care of chronic illnesses can make a big difference in how you feel and live your life. Here are some of the benefits of properly managing these conditions as you age:
- Improved Quality of Life: By keeping your chronic conditions under control, you can enjoy more of your favorite activities, spend time with loved ones, and maintain your independence.
- Reduced Symptoms: Proper management can help reduce pain, discomfort, and other symptoms, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable.
- Lower Risk of Complications: Managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can prevent serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.
- Increased Energy Levels: When your chronic conditions are well-managed, you often have more energy and feel less fatigued, allowing you to stay active and engaged in life.
- Better Mental Health: Managing chronic illnesses can also improve your mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Feeling in control of your health can boost your confidence and overall well-being.
- Enhanced Mobility and Flexibility: Conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis can affect your mobility. Proper management, including physical therapy and exercise, can help keep you moving comfortably.
- Financial Savings: Avoiding hospitalizations and costly treatments by managing your chronic conditions can save you money in the long run, reducing the financial burden on you and your family.
- Longer Life Expectancy: By preventing complications and staying on top of your health, you can increase your chances of living a longer, healthier life.
Taking an active role in managing your chronic illnesses involves working closely with your healthcare team, following your treatment plan, and making healthy lifestyle choices. These efforts can help you enjoy a fuller, more satisfying life as you age.
Take the Next Step in Managing Chronic Conditions
At Kendal At Home, we're dedicated to providing comprehensive support and care services for older adults managing chronic conditions. Our aging-in-place services are designed to offer personalized care and enhance the quality of life for you or your loved ones.
Here’s how we can help:
- Personalized Care Plans: Our team works closely with you to develop a care plan tailored to your unique needs, ensuring that you receive the right support for your chronic condition.
- In-Home Health Services: From skilled nursing to physical therapy, our in-home health services are designed to help you maintain your independence and well-being.
- 24/7 Support: Our team is available around the clock to provide assistance and ensure that you have the care and support you need whenever you need it.
- Wellness Programs: We offer a variety of wellness programs that promote physical activity, mental health, and overall well-being, helping you manage chronic conditions effectively.
- Access to Crucial Services: We connect our members to essential services and a network of specialized physicians and interdisciplinary care teams, including:
- Primary Care Physicians for regular check-ups and ongoing health management.
- Geriatricians specializing in the unique needs of older adults.
- Endocrinologists for managing diabetes and hormonal issues.
- Cardiologists for heart health and related conditions.
- Rheumatologists for arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
- Pulmonologists for respiratory conditions and chronic lung diseases.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today to discuss how Kendal At Home can support your journey to better health and a more fulfilling life.
