Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes need to monitor their condition closely. Depending on the type and severity of the illness, regular checks of blood sugar (through finger sticks) may be required through the course of each day. Some individuals require oral medication, some injected insulin (or an insulin pump). All individuals with diabetes need to monitor their diets carefully to: 1) eat regular small meals throughout the day to help keep blood sugar levels steady; 2) avoid simple carbohydrates; 3) avoid fatty foods. Exercise is also important in controlling the disease.

Older adults who have been diabetic for some time often have one or more secondary problems. These can include: kidney failure, peripheral neuropathies, vision problems, athrosclerosis and heart problems. Peripheral neuropathies, combined with poor circulation due to athrosclerosis can lead to gangrene and the need for limb amputation. Individuals with diabetes need to learn how to monitor skin condition, particularly of the feet, to catch problems early.

Because of these many potential complications, along with the potential for insulin shock, education and monitoring are vital for individuals with diabetes. Click here to go back to health conditions.

Arthritis: There are a number of forms of arthritis and other autoimmune diseases (e.g. fibromyalgia). Almost every older adult has some osteoarthritis (a disease of wear and tear on the joints) with resulting joint pain and stiffness, especially in the morning. Shoulder limitations can cause difficulty dressing the upper body or reaching into cabinets. Low back pain can reduce ability to bend, reach, or lift and carry items. Hand pain and stiffness can reduce ability to manipulate small items. Gentle exercise and heat can reduce the stiffness. Older adults need to learn how to manage the condition so it does not limit function. This is particularly important because failure to engage in activity can cause the condition to worsen. Click here to go back to health conditions.

Osteoporosis/falls: Although women are particularly prone to osteoporosis, men can experience it as well. This thinning of the bone has a number of potentially function and life threatening consequences. These include: 1) fractures. Given that balance and vision are worse in elders, falls are common. Individuals with osteoporosis are very likely to break bones in these falls. The most common sites are the wrist and hip. One third of individuals with hip fractures will die within the year. One third will be disabled to some extent. Thus, falls have very serious consequences for older adults; 2) back pain. Other fractures that can accompany osteoporosis are compression fractures of the vertebrae. These fractures are actually collapsed vertebrae as a result of thinning of vertebral bone. They can cause deformity (the "dowager's hump") and/or severe pain. Surgical intervention can sometimes stabilize the vertebral column. Physical therapy in the water is very helpful, as well.

Any of these fractures can cause severe pain and dysfunction. Regular exercise, good diet, and adequate intake of Vitamin D can help prevent osteoporosis, as can some oral medications. Click here to go back to health conditions.

Cancer: Cancer affects approximately 1/3 of all individuals over the course of the life span. Cancers are more common in older adults. Depending on the site of the cancer and its treatment, some degree of dysfunction may occur (for example, as a result of edema secondary to removal of lymph nodes). Treatment for some cancers requires changes in self-care (for example, managing a stoma following surgery for colon cancer). Depression and anxiety can accompany the diagnosis and its treatment. Click here to go back to health conditions.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Particularly common in smokers, this chronic disorder can become very debilitating. Lung capacity is gradually lost, and fatigue and activity limitations result. In this condition, it is important to monitor important functions to adjust them to increasing limitation, and to provide physical conditioning/range of motion to maintain the highest possible level of function. Click here to go back to health conditions.