Age-related disease: how to stay strong and healthy throughout your golden years

September 6, 2024

4 minutes

Personal Health

Personal health journeys

There's no way around it: our bodies change as we get older. Unfortunately, some health conditions—such as joint pain, heart disease, mental health issues, and diabetes—can become more likely with age, making it harder to enjoy your day-to-day activities. That being said, prioritizing your health can work wonders to improve your quality of life, prevent disease, and help you continue feeling your best. Here, we'll explore some healthy habits that you can develop to support your well-being as you grow older, as well as how Evidation can help you stay on track and motivated toward living your best life.

Common “older age” diseases and their impact

Getting older can be exciting, but it can also feel nerve-wracking. Venturing into each new decade can bring unknown questions and physical/mental health changes that might make you feel like you need to get to know yourself all over again. Thankfully, there are many steps you can take to support your physical and mental health over time.

Some common diseases related to age include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Coronary heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease
• Heart failure
• Alzheimer's disease and dementia
• Depression

Working toward healthy aging can take some education and effort, and Evidation is here to support you every step of the way. Let's take a look at some of the healthy habits you can implement to help support your wellness over the years.

The role of diet and nutrition in disease prevention

There are many age-related conditions that can be related to dietary choices, including bone health problems, cognitive changes, and cardiovascular issues.

One in three American adults has heart disease—a potentially deadly condition largely related to nutritional choices—according to the American Heart Association. The nutrition choices you make on a day-to-day basis play a major role in supporting your overall health. Whether you've been diagnosed with a health condition or you're interested in preventative care to support your cardiovascular health, enjoying foods that support a healthy aging process can help your heart stay strong for decades to come.

Foods that can support healthy aging include:

• Blueberries
• Leafy green vegetables
• Cruciferous vegetables
• Avocado
• Honey
• Yogurt
• Nuts and seeds
• Black rice
• Green tea
• Salmon
• Olive oil

Including these foods in your nutrition plan can help you feel your best. If you need some additional support with your nutrition, reaching out to your primary care doctor for a referral to a dietitian can provide you with the guidance you need to thrive.

Importance of regular physical activity

The importance of physical activity increases with age. Staying active as you get older can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Getting regular exercise can also help to lower your blood pressure, improve your mood, lessen symptoms of depression, and improve your cognitive abilities.

An important note: If you have high blood pressure or another cardiovascular condition, it's smart to check with your doctor before beginning an exercise routine.

Maintaining mental health and cognitive function

Changes in brain health are often gradual, making cognitive issues tougher to detect than health problems you can see on a blood test.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, certain healthy behaviors can help to support your mental health and cognitive function as you get older, including:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Making long-term changes to your habits to support a healthy weight can support your mental health as well as your physical health. If you aren't sure where to start, talking to your physician can help you develop behaviors that put you on the right track.
• Stay engaged with your community. Regular interaction with others can help you gain social support, reduce feelings of loneliness, and develop a support network. Participating in book clubs, volunteer activities, or educational programs can support your mental health as you see the positive impact that you're making on the people around you. Reach out to your local library, senior center, or religious organization to learn more about opportunities that allow you to give back.
• Be proactive about stress management. Stress has a greater effect on older adults than younger adults, according to the American Institute of Stress. Stress causes inflammation in the body, which can increase the risk of developing cancer, dementia, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis. Stress doesn't just increase your likelihood for the development of these conditions—it actually accelerates the aging process as well. Eating well, drinking plenty of water, keeping up with medical appointments, connecting with friends and family, getting regular exercise, and getting plenty of sleep can help you keep stress levels low.
• Reach out for help when you need it. There's nothing wrong with reaching out for the help of a trained therapist if you're struggling with your mental health. Ask for a referral from your doctor or your local senior center to learn more about how you can get started.

How the Evidation app can support healthy habits

At Evidation, our app is here to support you through every stage of life. With your permission, our app uses the health data you're already tracking (such as data from a fitness app like Apple Health, data from a nutrition app like My Fitness Pal, and data from workout-specific apps like Runkeeper) to find trends and areas where you have opportunities to boost your wellness. Evidation uses this information to create personalized content-based insights that provide you with the tips and tricks you need to feel your best, no matter what your age.

Whether you're curious about how to prevent older age diseases, are working toward a specific health goal, or simply want to get more information on how to improve your health habits, our app has you covered! Click here to learn more about how Evidation works and download the app today!