Senior Health (cont.) What are the most common diseases and
conditions seniors face as they age? Medical problems in the
elderly can involve any organ system in the body. Most
conditions result from decreased function or degeneration of the
involved Most commonly encountered medical conditions in seniors
based on organ system are listed below: osteoarthritis
(inflammation of joints due to wear and tear), osteoporosis
(bone loss), gout, loss of muscle mass, fractures. - Hormonal:
Diabetes (impaired control of blood glucose), dysfunction, high
blood cholesterol, slower overall metabolism. - Neurologic:
dementia (Alzheimer or other types), strokes, poor vision,
hearing impairment, balance problem. - Visual: macular
degeneration, cataracts, diabetes and hypertension related eye
disease. - Cardiovascular disease: congestive heart failure,
heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation), high blood pressure
(hypertension), atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of
blood vessels) and peripheral vascular disease or peripheral a