Getting Better With Age: 5 Common Health Issues for People as They Get Older

July 5, 2023

As people age, many start to have various health issues. Here are 5 of the most common problems people experience as they age and some of the best ways to deal with them naturally.

#1. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and are more susceptible to fractures. The hip, wrist, or spine are the most commonly affected, primarily thanks to falling. It is estimated that three million cases of osteoporosis are diagnosed annually in the US.

Common osteoporosis symptoms:

Loss of height over time
Stooped posture
Back pain caused by a collapsed or fractured vertebrae
Bones that break easier than normal

Top foods for improved bone health include leafy greens, dairy products, fortified orange juice, and fatty fish.

Studies indicate dairy products fortified with calcium and vitamin D could prevent osteoporosis hip fracture in postmenopausal women.^[1]

Top Osteoporosis Supplements

Besides eating healthy foods, supplements are available to help combat osteoporosis.

CytoVitD+

CytoVitD+ is specifically designed for those who do not get adequate sun exposure or sufficient intake of vital nutrients through dietary sources.CytoVitD+ also contains vitamin D3 and vitamin K2. Each is essential for optimal bone health and a healthy immune system.

CytoBoneBliss™

CytoBoneBliss™ contains magnesium, zinc, copper, boron, potassium, manganese, and calcium in their most absorbable forms. This all-natural supplement is created by Albion® Advanced Nutrition, a leader in formulating truly chelated minerals. Chelated minerals tend to be absorbed better in the body and are retained in bones and other body tissues at higher rates than non-chelated minerals.

#2. Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is any disease that involves the heart or blood vessels. Heart disease, coronary artery disease, stroke, heart attack, and heart failure are some of the most common cardiovascular diseases. According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death for most racial and ethnic groups in the United States.

As people age, they have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Studies indicate additional health issues, including diabetes, poor sleep behavior, obesity, and frailty increase these dangers.^[2] Researchers also note lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, maintenance of a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco products could help decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.^[2]

Top foods for a healthy heart include the following:

Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
Avocado
Walnuts
Garlic
Green tea
Dark chocolate
Beans
Tomatoes
Fatty fish (tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines)
Green leafy veggies (spinach, romaine lettuce, collard greens, kale)

Heart-Healthy Supplements

Heart-healthy supplements are available as well:

Hcv - Heart Cardiovascular

Hcv - Heart Cardiovascular provides the following benefits:

Supports heart health
Cleans triglycerides from blood vessels
Normalizes circulation
Assists in cleansing the lymphatic system

Hcv - Heart Cardiovascular also contains potassium, which helps to keep the heart functioning properly and maintain normal blood pressure.

Pure Form Omega Natural

Pure Form Omega Natural is a patented mix of plant-based essential fatty acids the body is unable to produce on its own. Also known as “healthy fats,” essential fatty acids are known for their key role in helping to prevent heart disease.

In addition to promoting heart health,Pure Form Omega Natural helps to protect the brain, reduce joint pain, relieve inflammation, and fight depression. This product is cold-pressed, which helps to eliminate rancidity and stay stable for 18 months at room temperature without the use of preservatives.

#3. Diabetes

It is estimated that Type 2 diabetes affects 40% of the American population over age 65. There are several prominent symptoms of type 2 diabetes:

Increased hunger or thirst
Losing weight without trying
Blurred vision
Frequent urination
Feeling tired or lethargic

Older adults are at a higher risk for complications from type 2 diabetes, including visual impairments, end-stage renal disease, lower extremity amputations, and myocardial infarctions.^[3]

In addition to regular contact with a physician, the following tips are advised to help manage diabetes:

Regularly check glucose levels
Stop smoking
Manage cholesterol levels
Keep blood pressure in the normal range
Brush and floss daily
Eat foods low in saturated fat and sugar
Get 30-60 minutes of exercise daily (walking, yoga, cycling, etc.)
Take medicine prescribed by a doctor
Check feet for sores, blisters, or breaks in the skin regularly

Diet plays a key role in managing diabetes. Eating healthy meals throughout the day can help the body use insulin more efficiently and prevent “spikes” or “crashes.” Top foods for diabetics are healthy, nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, fatty fish and. Foods to avoid are those high in saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and cholesterol.

Top Diabetic Supplements

The following supplements are designed for diabetics.

Synulin - Glycemic Balance

Synulin - Glycemic Balance uses a patented formula for the uptake of glucose via the mitochondria to produce ATP. (Type 2 diabetes has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and low levels of ATP). [4] This product also supports the entire body with cellular energy nutrition and assists insulin in the regulation of fat, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism.

Systemic Formulas: #433 - GCEL - Intracellular Glutathione

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that works on a cellular level to protect cells from autointoxication, the absorption of toxic products produced within the body. It also works to prevent toxins from overtaking cells, which can cause them to weaken and die. In addition to helping with insulin resistance, GCEL - Intracellular Glutathione neutralizes free radicals, preventing damage to cells while raising both intracellular and extracellular glutathione levels in the body.

GCEL also provides other key benefits:

Assists with weight loss
Helps the body build DNA
Enhances vitamins C and E
Maintain healthy GSH levels
Lowers inflammation
Fights free-radical damage
Contain B vitamins for detox benefits

#4. Depression

While depression can happen at any age, the risk of depression in elderly individuals increases among those with physical health problems and related disabilities. Signs or symptoms of depression in the elderly can include the following:

Unexplained or lingering aches and pains
Slowed movement or speech
Feelings of despair or sadness
Memory problems
Neglecting personal care
Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or daytime sleepiness

Studies indicate depression can hurt natural killer (NK) cell function.^[5] NK cells are white blood cells that destroy infected and diseased cells and viruses in the body, preventing them from spreading.

Studies indicate diet can play a key role in depression:

Diets consistent with the Mediterranean diet are associated with better mental health when compared to Western diets.^[6]
Certain foods and their impact on immune activation and the gut microbiome could affect mood.^[6]

Foods believed to help depression are nutrient-dense and support brain health. Top foods include salmon, dark chocolate, almonds, eggs, asparagus, bananas, blueberries, spinach, and green tea.

All-Natural Supplements for Depression

The following supplements are available for depression and mood disorders:

True Cellular Formulas® Mood Support

True Cellular Formulas® Mood Support* helps to manage stress by supplying the body with a powerful blend of vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. These nutrients are believed to provide the support the body needs to handle the physical, mental, and emotional toll stress can inflict.

This product also contains L-Theanine and valerian root, which help to balance out neurotransmitters in the brain and support brain health. (An imbalance in neurotransmitters is believed to play a role in anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders).

Systemic Formulas: #720 - General Sedate - Invigorate Vitality

General Sedate - Invigorate Vitality is called the “Great Energy Balancer,” helping to balance energy and the emotional state of the body. This product is specifically designed to provide the following:

Inner peace
Calm
Assistance with passive/aggressive behavior
Patience
Confidence

General Sedate - Invigorate Vitality also helps to balance out the 5 elements in the body (fire, earth, water, metal, and wood) and remove any excess heat and fire in the heart.

#5. Collagen Reduction

Collagen is the most common protein in the body. It is found in the ligaments, tendons, fat, and other areas. It is vital to the strength of the bone structure and helps a person maintain a strong, smooth, and youthful appearance. The body produces less collagen as we age, and the existing collagen tends to break down at a faster rate. Women tend to see a significant reduction in collagen after menopause.

The following foods can help the body produce collagen:

Beef
Eggs
Tomatoes
Seafood
Leafy greens
Citrus and tropical fruits
Cashews
Berries

Top Collagen Supplements

Both oral and topical collagen supplements have been found to reduce or delay skin aging.^[7] Here are the top 2 all-natural collagen supplements on the market today:

Systemic Formulas: #616 - Collagen MB

Collagen MB is considered the world’s most potent and complete collagen formula, stimulating its production at various levels in the body:

Type I: Tendons, skin, bones, organs, and ligaments
Type II: cartilage
Type III: Reticulate fibers
Type IV: Basement membrane strength
Type V: Hair health, cell structure and placenta integrity
Type X: Articular cartilage

Collagen MB comes in powder form and can be added to your liquid of choice. It provides collagen peptides that are rich in branch-chain amino acids, medium-chain fatty acids, and cellular building blocks needed for energy, immune support and collagen growth.

ION* Skin Support

ION* Skin Support is a collagen spray that helps provides the following benefits:

Defend the skin against toxins
Encourages the skin to breathe and glow
Reinforce cellular connections
Supports a healthy microbiome on the skin
Promotes an increase in glutathione
Decrease signs of skin damage
Reduce redness

ION* Skin Support can be sprayed on the face and body twice daily. It can be applied before other skin products, before or after sun exposure or when you feel the need arises.

Exercise for Seniors

Exercise is essential for people as they age. In addition to lowering the risk of falls and serious injuries, exercise offers the following benefits:

Tones muscles
Builds stronger bones
Improve balance and mobility
Relieve insomnia
Help combat feelings of anxiety and depression
Ease feelings of tension and stress
Maintain a healthy weight

Top exercises for seniors

In addition to yoga and tai chi, the following cardiovascular and resistance exercises are great for seniors:

Top Cardiovascular Exercises	Top Resistance Exercises
Walking	Planks
Swimming	Seated rows
Cycling	Squats
Dancing	Lunges
Nature walks	Shoulder press
Gardening/Housework	Deadlift

Note: resistance exercises can be performed with weights, resistance bands or body weight. Consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

Best and Worst Foods to Eat as We Age

Eating a balanced diet is key to good health at any age. Here are some of the best and worst foods for seniors:

Best Foods to Eat After Age 50	Foods to Avoid After Age 50
Oats	Bacon
Nuts & seeds	Fried foods
Citrus fruits (Oranges)	High processed carbohydrates (white four, sugar, pastries etc.)
Green, leafy veggies (kale)	Potato chips
Fatty fish (salmon)	Alcohol (in excess)
High-quality protein (lean meats, chicken, turkey, beans)	High fructose corn syrup
Grass-fed dairy	Deli meats
Turmeric	Soda

Summary

As people age, they can experience a variety of health challenges. Understanding what they are gives you an opportunity to create a healthy diet and other lifestyle choices that could help decrease their impact or possibly eliminate them altogether. Contact your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of the health issues described in this article.

References:

Chunxiao Liu 1, Xiaotong Kuang, Kelei Li, Xiaofei Guo, (et al.) Effects Of Combined Calcium And Vitamin D Supplementation On Osteoporosis In Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials. Food Funct. 2020 Dec 1;11(12):10817-10827. doi: 10.1039/d0fo00787k. Epub 2020 Nov 25. [PMID: 33237064].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33237064/
Jennifer L. Rodgers, Jarrod Jones, Samuel I. Bolleddu, (et al). Cardiovascular Risks Associated with Gender and Aging. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis. 2019 Jun; 6(2): 19. Published online 2019 Apr 27. doi: 10.3390/jcdd6020019. [PMCID: PMC6616540].https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6616540/
Erika Leung, Supakanya Wongrakpanich,1,2 and Medha N. Munshi. Diabetes Management in the Elderly. Diabetes Spectr. 2018 Aug; 31(3): 245–253. doi: 10.2337/ds18-0033. [PMID: 30140140]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6092888/
Susana Rovira-Llopis, Celia Bañuls, Noelia Diaz-Morales (et al). Mitochondrial dynamics in type 2 diabetes: Pathophysiological implications. Redox Biol. 2017 Apr;11:637-645. doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2017.01.013. Epub 2017 Jan 16. [PMID: 28131082].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28131082/
Beatriz Cañas-González, Alonso Fernández-Nistal, Juan M. Ramírez, (et al). Influence of Stress and Depression on the Immune System in Patients Evaluated in an Anti-aging Unit. Front Psychol. 2020; 11: 1844. Published online 2020 Aug 4. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01844 [PMID: 32849086].https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7417678/
Joseph Firth, James E Gangwisch, Alessandra Borsini, (et al).Food For Thought 2020: Food And Mood: How Do Diet And Nutrition Affect Mental Wellbeing? BMJ. 2020; 369: m2382. Published online 2020 Jun 29. doi: 10.1136/bmj.m2382. [PMID: 32601102].https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7322666/
Hend Al-Atif. Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2022 Jan 1;12(1):e2022018. doi: 10.5826/dpc.1201a18. eCollection 2022 Feb. [PMID: 35223163] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35223163/

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