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Part of living your best life as an active adult means being aware of common ailments and preventative measures you can take to avoid them. As we age, the increasing incidence of heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease and stroke can become life-threatening. According to the South Carolina State Health Assessment, these four health issues are the leading cause of death among individuals 65 and older.
Some preventative measures, such as avoiding tobacco use, engaging in physical activity, eating a balanced diet, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and seeking preventative health care, can dramatically reduce the frequency and severity of all four. It's essential to consult your health care professional, listen to their advice and take active steps to keep your body healthy and your mind active. Less severe conditions that commonly affect older adults include back and neck pain, arthritis, loss of balance that leads to falls, neuropathy, sleep issues and managing stress and anxiety.
Some of these are related; for example, lack of sleep prevents the body from processing stress, while neuropathy – loss of feeling in extremities – reduces balance and can cause falls. Back to the Basics of Pain Dr. Courtney Stearns, a physical therapist and owner of Joint Effort Movement Center in West Ashley, says 80% of people will experience joint pain in their lives, often presenting itself around age 50, and commonly the result of a lifetime of desk work.
"Our bodies were not meant to sit on a chair," she said. Stearns treats individuals with back, neck, and joint pain by ensuring proper mobility in those joints. She says back and neck pain are often caused by tight hips that force the lower back to compensate.
For example, she says, a golfer's hips must move in opposite directions during their swing. If one or both are restricted, that movement will be transferred to the back, eventually causing pain. As with many ailments that crop up over time, these musculoskeletal issues may have their genesis in past trauma forgotten by the individual.
Dr. Ann Jenkins of Jenkins Family Chiropractic in Charleston focuses on treating unusual conditions. She says people come to her with back and neck issues and can't understand why.
"Once I put my hands on them, they say, 'Oh! I haven't had that pain since I fell out of a tree at 15.' The body never forgets; it compensates," she explained. When it comes to arthritis, Stearns says clinicians like her can treat the inflammation that causes pain but not the underlying degeneration of the joint.
Muscle strengthening and range-of-motion exercises are a common prescription, but Stearns also counsels her patients to level up their footwear. "A good pair of sneakers has a stiff heel back, an arch that doesn't collapse when you try to bend the shoe in half and a ball of the foot that can bend well. I don't want you walking on a cloud; I want you feeling the ground beneath your feet," she said.
Keeping Your Brain Healthy Mental health issues are a growing problem in South Carolina and nationwide. For those over 55, increased isolation, financial stress, natural cognitive decline and the onset of dementia (Alzheimer's and related diseases) are usually the primary culprits. "Regular check-ups and screenings are crucial for early detection and treatment," said Holy City Med Urgent and Primary Care’s clinical director, Kirsten Patterson.
The epidemic of mental health issues among teens and young adults caused by other external factors may be spilling over into the 55+ cohort. Jenkins adds that overstimulation caused by the internet and social media interferes with body-brain communication. The American Institute of Stress found that a quarter of older adults report feeling depressed, and nearly half report feeling stressed.
Age shouldn't limit your pursuit of hobbies, activities, relationships, and other social engagements. Charleston is a hub for activities to suit every area of interest, and there's no shortage of opportunities to mix and mingle with others and meet new people. You might find your spirits are a little brighter, and your mind is a bit more at ease after a walk in one of the many green spaces throughout the region, after an energizing game of pickleball with friends or even after getting to meet new neighbors at a community event in your neighborhood.
Of course, if you find your mental issues are much more serious, therapists or other mental health professionals can help you address underlying problems and guide you to a healthier mindset. You should never feel like age or other circumstances are barring you from asking for help when you need it. It is particularly critical to address as we age because stress can intensify inflammation and contribute to cardiovascular disease, arthritis and dementia.
The Power of Advanced Screenings and Vaccinations Routine screenings, such as colonoscopies, mammograms and regular physical exams, help catch health issues early, leading to better outcomes. Almost all progress made against cancer stems from early detection and treatment. Vaccinations have eliminated or dramatically reduced many diseases, including measles, COVID-19, and polio.
As our immune systems decline with age, public health experts recommend more vaccinations, including flu, pneumonia, and shingles, to safeguard our bodies against diseases that could have more severe consequences. Food is Fuel Even active adults develop many more chronic conditions than their younger counterparts. Chief among them are hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes, all of which can be managed by lifestyle changes and better nutrition.
While these conditions are very treatable, they must be addressed as they can lead to more severe ones like heart disease and stroke. A balanced diet with plenty of protein, fresh fruits, and vegetables can go a long way to keeping your heart healthy and fueling your active lifestyle. Avoid heavily processed foods with minimal nutritional value; your body will thank you.
Vitamins are also part of a balanced diet; as we age, our bodies may struggle to meet the daily requirements. Luckily, there are a variety of supplements, ranging from a daily multivitamin to more specific nutrients, for a targeted approach. Consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
Particularly as we get older, the best defense is a good offense. Experts and decades of research tell us to reduce junk food, ditch tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, get a full night's sleep at the same time every night, develop a rich web of friends, find activities that help relieve stress, get our vaccinations and routine screenings, and engage in whatever we enjoy that gets our bodies moving. "With the right support, individuals in the 55+ community can lead healthy, active lives," said Patterson.
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