Get to Know the Most Prevalent Health Issues for Adults Over 65

Mar 5

Getting older isn’t easy. In fact, for many adults, getting older means dealing with numerous health conditions and new challenges that make it harder to care for themselves on their own.

There are several health issues for adults over 65 that you should be aware of so that you can help yourself or your elderly loved ones thrive after 65. Here’s a closer look at the most prevalent health issues among seniors in the U.S.

Obesity

More than 37% of men and 43% of women between ages 65 and 69 in the United States are obese. Obesity can lead to a wide range of health problems at any age, but in seniors, it is a particularly concerning risk factor.

People who are obese have a higher risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke, which are all among the leading causes of death for seniors.

Later in adulthood, it can be more difficult to maintain the lifestyle habits that can promote a healthier weight, such as daily exercise and a balanced diet.

With in-home care, seniors may have better access to healthy meals prepared with fresh ingredients, assistance with daily activities including regular exercise, and transportation to and from medical care facilities.

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often referred to as the silent killer because it does not present noticeable symptoms on its own, but it can lead to significant cardiovascular health issues. The vast majority of adults over 65 has high blood pressure or is currently taking medication to manage their blood pressure.

Flu

For seniors, the flu isn’t just a seasonal illness. It’s a common cause of death. Adults 65 and older account for up to 85% of annual flu related deaths due to the prevalence of underlying conditions like respiratory and circulatory issues among this population.

Flu is preventable with vaccination, which can also reduce the severity of the illness if an elderly person still ends up getting sick. Unfortunately, only about 67.1% of adults over 65 received a flu vaccine in 2024, and immunization rates have continued to decline since then.

Receiving both an influenza vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine each year can significantly reduce the risk of flu-related deaths and complications leading to hospitalization.

Arthritis

Arthritis affects nearly half of adults over 65 with osteoarthritis being the most common form diagnosed in seniors. Arthritis causes pain, inflammation, and stiffness that can significantly decrease mobility and increase the risk of falls.

Living with arthritis may mean living less independently as a senior because it can so significantly impact daily activities and routine self-care.

Periodontal Disease

Seniors are much more likely to experience difficulties in their self-care, which can translate to poor oral health due to a lack of regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits. The CDC reports that only about 63.7% of adults over 65 had a dental visit in the past year.

Additionally, dental issues like cavities and periodontal disease are degenerative, meaning they get worse over time.

As a result, about 68% of adults over 65 have some type of periodontal disease, which can cause painful inflammation and bleeding while increasing the risk for more significant dental issues that could lead to tooth loss and bone loss.

Plus, periodontal disease has been shown to be a common risk factor for heart disease, so it can be much more than a painful nuisance.

Substance Abuse

You may be surprised at how common substance abuse is among seniors. About 1 million adults aged 65 or older struggle with a substance use disorder, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Although illicit drug use tends to decline in older adulthood, seniors may still struggle with substance abuse using alcohol or misusing controlled prescription drugs like painkillers.

The increased availability of marijuana through dispensaries in Oregon has also driven an increase in the use of cannabis among older adults.

For seniors who live independently at home, substance abuse may go unnoticed and be further complicated by loneliness, depression, chronic pain and health issues, and isolation.

In addition to clinical care for substance abuse, in-home care can help to reduce drug and alcohol use by providing a monitored care environment along with consistent companionship for elderly adults.

Coping with health issues doesn’t necessarily mean that you cannot age in place at home. However, you may need additional care and support with an in-home caregiver.

New Outlook Home Care provides in-home care for seniors in Redmond and Medford, OR. Our compassionate caregiving professionals offer nursing care, personal care, housekeeping, and companionship to provide a well-rounded care approach that addresses your needs.

David Welker