Globally, the average life expectancy has increased over the years. For context, it was 58.3 years in 1999 and 61.9 years in 2020.

This is in no small part due to the advancements in medicine and general healthcare. Some countries have higher life expectancies, such as Monaco, which has an average of 89.8 years; Japan, which has an average of 85.2 years; the United States, which has an average of 80.9 years; and India, which has an average of 68.2 years as of 2024.

According to Always Best Care Senior Services, home care in Burlington, NC, aging can increase the risk of suffering from certain medical conditions and illnesses. This is because, at this stage of life, the body and organs begin to deteriorate and become more vulnerable to infections and diseases.

A study by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) reveals that 95 percent of adults 60 and older suffer from at least a chronic condition, while about 80 percent of them have two or more.

While many health conditions suffered by older adults can also be seen in younger people, some conditions are peculiar to them. These are called geriatric syndromes.

Geriatric syndrome

Geriatric syndrome is a term used to describe a group of health conditions that are highly prevalent in elderly patients. These conditions usually have more than one cause and often involve multiple systems of the body.

The syndrome is associated with reduced life expectancy as it can significantly impact an older person’s quality of life and independence.

Examples of geriatric syndromes include:

  • Dementia: A progressive decline in memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities.
  • Depression: A mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, lack of energy, and low motivation.
  • Delirium: A sudden state of confusion characterized by changes in mental abilities. It often results in hallucinations or delusions.
  • Vertigo: A sensation of dizziness or spinning, often accompanied by a feeling of being off-balance.
  • Falls: An unintentional and accidental drop to the ground or another lower level, often leading to injuries and loss of independence.
  • Urinary incontinence: An unintentional passing of urine caused by underlying medical conditions or physical problems.
  • Frailty: A clinically recognizable state of increased vulnerability resulting from decreased physical and mental function.
  • Polypharmacy: The use of multiple prescription drugs, usually at least five at the same time. This can result in an increased risk of side effects.
  • Sleep disorders: This involves any disrupted sleep pattern, including problems falling asleep and too much sleep.
  • Sarcopenia: A progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and function that can happen when someone does less physical activity.
  • Pressure ulcers: Also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers, these are an injury that develops on the skin, typically in areas placed under pressure, such as the buttocks, heels, and hips.
  • Spontaneous bone fractures: They occur without any apparent external force usually required to cause a bone break. It is most prominent in the long bones of bedridden older people. They are commonly caused by osteoporosis.

Chronic diseases associated with aging

Generally, chronic diseases are health conditions that last for at least one year and usually require ongoing medical attention because they can only be controlled, not cured. These diseases are, however, noncommunicable.

Older adults are likely to suffer one or more of the following chronic diseases:

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that affects elderly people aged 65 or older. It is the fifth-leading cause of death among these adults. Patients usually survive an average of four to eight years after a diagnosis. However, the disease progression is uncertain; some patients live as long as 20 years after their diagnosis.

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are medications that can temporarily reduce the symptoms.

Heart failure

Most elderly people who experience heart failure already have a chronic cardiovascular condition. It occurs when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, depriving the body of oxygen and needed nutrition. It is the leading cause of hospitalization for people who are 65 years of age or older.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body produces or uses insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is responsible for the regulation of blood sugar levels in the body.

It is characterized by consistently high blood glucose (sugar). Approximately 33 percent of older adults have diabetes. 

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition capable of causing inflammation of joints, leading to pain and stiffness.

There are different types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common form among older adults. It is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, the connecting tissue that protects joints and bones. 

Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis.

Cancer

Older adults are more likely to develop cancer than younger people. About 60 percent of cancers occur in this age group.

The common cancers suffered by older people include:

  • Breast cancer: People over 60 years
  • Prostate cancer: People over 65 years
  • Colon cancer: People at least 67 years old
  • Lung cancer: People over 70 years
  • Bladder cancer: People over 65 years

Tooth loss

Tooth loss can happen as a result of gum disease, tooth decay, or trauma. Smokers are at higher risk of tooth loss.

On average, elderly people over 64 have only 20.7 remaining permanent teeth. More than 17 percent of older adults have no remaining teeth.