Three Health Problems You Need to Be Prepared for As You Age #healthy2020 #aging #healthylifespan #olderandwiser

Aging is a natural part of life. Most of the time, I feel like I'm still in my 20s or 30s...but the calendar tells me otherwise! Knowing potential challenges to your health and well-being as we age is essential. The Weekend Gourmet correspondent is sharing vital information on a trio of ailments that we need to be aware of as we age. This article may contain affiliate links.

As much as you'd like to, you can’t stay young forever! We all get older and, as we age, our bodies start to fail us in many ways. It’s simply a natural part of growing older, but a lot of people find themselves completely unprepared for some of the health challenges they face. Knowing some common health challenges that arise as we age can help you be better prepared -- as well as make it easier to reduce your risk of being impacted -- as you get older. Here are some of the health problems you're more likely to face as you get older. 

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Joint Pain 

When you're in your 20s, it feels like you can bounce back from anything. You take it for granted, because you don’t realize that when you get older, even the most basic tasks can make you ache all over. Most people assume they won’t be as mobile as they used to be, but they aren’t always prepared for the extent of the joint pain they will feel. In some cases, joint pain may be related to a diagnosed condition like arthritis, but it’s also a natural part of aging.

It’s important that you look after your joints, taking care to not take part in activities that are too strenuous if you want to reduce joint pain. Conversely, not being active at all will cause your joints to seize up -- and the pain will actually get worse. Aim for a good balance of activity; try to take part in low-impact exercise on a regular basis. Doing so will allow you to stay active without putting too much stress on your joints.

Varicose Veins 

Varicose veins occur when the valves in your veins begin to leak. This leads to visible purple lines, typically in your legs. Varicose veins are very common in older people, and you can’t always avoid them. However, a quick online search for a vein specialist near me, should result in a clinic near you that offers varicose vein treatment. Keep in mind that varicose veins are made worse if you're overweight, because excess pounds put extra pressure on veins; the veins then have to work harder to get blood back to your heart. If varicose veins are a big problem for you, losing weight may make a big difference. 

Mental Health Issues 

Mental health issues in the older generation are often overlooked, and it’s a significant problem. Many older people suffer from loneliness, and may lack a sense of purpose after they retire. These feelings can lead to deeper problems, including depression. Older people also come from a generation where they were told to keep these things to themselves -- so it’s common for them to struggle in silence. It’s very important that you share your feelings with family and friends if you're having a difficult time coping. It'll lift the burden and hopefully make you feel better. However, if you still find yourself struggling emotionally, see a doctor or therapist to discuss possible treatment options. 

It’s important that you're prepared for these health problems as you become older -- so you can face them when or if they happen to your or someone you care about.