15 Diseases That Can Sneak Up on You After Age 50

The likelihood of facing health issues increases with age. These health problems may not exhibit symptoms in their early stages and can go unnoticed until they become severe. It may be difficult to treat or manage them by the time they are diagnosed.

Heart Disease

Elderly man with heart disease
Photo Credit: Canva

The risk for heart disease increases due to factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and the natural aging process of the heart and blood vessels. Often, heart disease develops over time and may not present noticeable symptoms until a major event like a heart attack occurs.

Type 2 Diabetes

diabetes type 2
Photo Credit: Canva

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes insulin resistant, or the pancreas stops producing enough insulin. Excess weight, a lack of physical activity, and a poor diet can heighten the risk. The danger of this disease lies in its lack of early symptoms.

Osteoporosis

osteoporosis
Photo Credit: Canva

Osteoporosis happens when the body loses bone density faster than it can be replaced. The bones become weak, brittle, and more prone to fractures. This condition may silently progress without presenting any noticeable symptoms until a fracture inevitably occurs.

Arthritis

knee joint pain
Photo Credit: Canva

Arthritis, a prevalent health issue among individuals over fifty, is marked by inflammation and stiffness of the joints. It causes pain and hinders mobility. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the most common forms of this condition.

Cancer

cancer
Photo Credit: Canva

Individuals in their fifties are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with various forms of cancer. By undergoing regular screenings and detecting the disease early on, the prospects of successful treatment can be significantly improved.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Senior suffering from Alzheimers Disease
Photo Credit: Canva

Alzheimer’s Disease leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. It is the most common form of dementia among older adults. The disease begins by affecting the part of the brain responsible for memory, but its reach gradually extends to other brain areas.

Pulmonary Disease

old man breathing through a tube
Photo Credit: Canva

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a respiratory condition marked by persistent breathing difficulties and impaired airflow. Its symptoms include shortness of breath and cough with sputum production.

Glaucoma

Senior man with poor sight
Photo Credit: Canva

Glaucoma is an eye condition that can harm the optic nerve, a crucial component for clear vision. Typically, this impairment results from unusually high pressure within the eye. It is a prominent catalyst for blindness among people aged fifty and above.

Obesity

Fat man
Photo Credit: Canva

With slowing metabolisms, weight gain becomes more prevalent among older adults. This gain, in turn, can cause complications and diseases. Adhering to diet and regular exercise, you can effectively prevent these ailments from occurring.

Depression

Sad senior lady
Photo Credit: Canva

Depression is a disturbance in a person’s emotional state. Its symptoms are persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. It is common among individuals aged fifty and above due to factors like chronic health conditions, social isolation, and life changes.

Hearing Loss

Senior woman with hearing loss
Photo Credit: Canva

While hearing loss is a natural part of aging, it can also be attributed to exposure to loud noises and some medical conditions. Neglecting its treatment can result in communication challenges and feelings of social isolation. Additionally, hearing loss has been associated with cognitive decline in older individuals.

Dental Issues

senior with tooth ache
Photo Credit: Canva

Aging leads to a decline in oral health, bringing about various dental problems. These issues can range from dry mouth, often caused by medications, to periodontal disease resulting from a lifetime of plaque buildup and delayed treatment. Losing teeth is another common problem, making eating and communication difficult.

Shingles

shingles
Photo Credit: Canva

Shingles is a painful infection caused by the same virus as chickenpox and can occur in individuals who have had chickenpox earlier in life. Older adults with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to this disease.

Dementia

Dementia on a paper
Photo Credit: Canva

Dementia is used to describe a reduction in mental capability that becomes severe enough to interfere with daily life. It can be caused by various conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and strokes. Detecting and treating conditions early can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals impacted by them.

Sleep Apnea

sleep apnea
Photo Credit: Canva

Sleep apnea causes a person’s breathing to stop and start repeatedly during sleep. It can lead to exhaustion, poor concentration, and other health issues. Aging adults are more at risk due to weight gain and muscle tone changes.

More From Health Makes You

woman cant sleep
Photo Credit: Canva

Hearing loss is a serious condition that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the common bad habits which can lead to hearing loss. Here are 14 bad habits that could make you deaf if left unchecked.

14 Bad Habits That Could Make You Deaf

10 “Good” Habits That Are Actually Bad for You

woman drinking water
Photo Credit: Canva

Some healthy activities may seem like good ideas, but they are actually bad for your health. It sounds counterintuitive, but these habits can put your body at risk. Here are ten good habits that can have negative consequences if practiced too often or intensely.

10 “Good” Habits That Are Actually Bad for You

Want to Live a Long Life? Don’t Do These 20 Things

ingredients 1
Photo Credit: Canva

Do you want to live a long and healthy life? Then you should avoid doing certain things. Research shows that some habits, behaviors, and activities can harm your health. Here are the top 20 worst things you can do for your health.

Want to Live a Long Life? DON’T DO These 20 Things

The 30 Worst Foods to Eat After Age 30

disatisfied woman gesturing with thumbs down
Photo credit: Canva

Eating healthily is vital at all times, but after 30, consuming certain foods can harm more than help. By avoiding these food items when you reach your thirties, you can promote lasting health and happiness for years.

The 30 Worst Foods to Eat After Age 30

20 Bad Habits That Could Make You Blind

19 3
Photo credit: Canva

Staring at a screen (phone, laptop) has become a common habit that seems harmless, but over time it can cause severe damage to your eyes. That’s just one of the habits that can damage your eyesight. Here’s more:

20 Bad Habits That Could Make You Blind

This article was produced on Health Makes You.

Yvonne Alieme

Yvonne Alieme is a passionate writer dedicated to reviving society's reading culture. She strives to inspire and educate others through her work, and her commitment to promoting literacy and knowledge-sharing makes her a valuable contributor to the community.

Recent Posts