Health conditions and concerns

Key terms for understanding health issues that affect older adults most.

Alzheimer's disease: A form of dementia caused by abnormal protein buildup in the brain.
Anxiety: Ongoing worry or nervousness that interferes with daily life.
Bone health: The strength and function of your bones, which provide physical structure and protect organs.
Brain health: Overall brain function, including memory, mood, movement, and thinking.
Chronic pain: Pain lasting over 3 months that can vary in intensity and often increases with age.
Dementia: A group of conditions characterized by issues with memory and thinking that impact daily life.
Depression: A combination of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms, including long-term feelings of sadness or lack of purpose.
Diabetes: A condition where the body has trouble making or using insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar.
Fall prevention: Strategies to reduce fall risk, like balance training, at-home modifications, medication management, and conversations with healthcare providers.
Heart health: The condition of your heart and blood vessels, which is essential for overall well-being.
Hypertension: High blood pressure, which, if unmanaged, can lead to serious health problems, including stroke and heart attack.
Joint health: How joints and surrounding muscles work together to support daily movement.
Mental health: Emotional and psychological well-being, including how we manage stress, relate to others, and make decisions.
Osteoarthritis: A type of degenerative joint disease, meaning tissues in the joint break down over time. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It typically affects the hands, neck, back, hips, and knees.
Osteopenia: Lower-than-normal bone density, which may lead to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis: Bone disease characterized by the loss of bone mass, which can make bones more likely to break.
Pain management: Strategies to managing pain through various interventions including movement, medication, or surgery to improve comfort and function.
Parkinson's disease: A progressive disorder that impacts movement and cognition.
Pelvic floor: Muscles that support the bladder, bowels, and reproductive organs, and help with control and function.
Pelvic health: The health of the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs, and supporting muscles.
Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin; often appears during childhood.
Type 2 diabetes: Chronic condition defined by insulin resistance, meaning the body struggles with responding to insulin; often appears during adulthood.
Urinary incontinence: Involuntary bladder leakage, caused by various factors; more common with age.