Health Center for Women Age 65+
Top health conditions, risk factors, and healthy living information by age and gender for those living in the United States based on government data.
= Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease (AD), one form of dementia, is a progressive, degenerative brain disease. It impairs memory, thinking, and behavior.
Arthritis
Arthritis involves inflammation of one or more joints and the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects the joint, allowing for smooth movement. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, like when you walk or otherwise bear weight. Without the usual amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a malignant growth that begins in the tissues of the breast. Over the course of a lifetime, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Depression
Major depression is when 5 or more symptoms of depression are present for at least 2 weeks. These symptoms include feeling sad, hopeless, worthless, or pessimistic. In addition, people with major depression often have behavior changes, such as new eating and sleeping patterns. Major depression increases a person's risk of suicide.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a life-long disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. It can be caused by too little insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar), resistance to insulin, or both.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is any disorder that affects the heart's ability to function normally. The most common cause of heart disease is narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart itself. This happens slowly over time.
Influenza
The flu is a contagious infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by the influenza virus.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disorder in which bones gradually become thinner and weaker until they get to the point where they break easily. The most common sites of fracture in people with advanced osteoporosis are the hip, spine and wrist.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by an infection. Many different organisms can cause it, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Stroke
A stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack."
Vision Problems
Macular degeneration is a disorder that affects the macula (the central part of the retina of the eye) causing decreased visual acuity and possible loss of central vision.
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Aging Changes
- How Much Do You Know About Senior Nutrition
- Age and Exercise
- Weight Loss and Age
- Aging Changes in Body Shape
- Aging Changes in Hair and Nails
- Aging Changes in Hormone Production
- Aging Changes in Immunity
- Aging Changes in Skin
- Aging Changes in Sleep
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Medicare and Medicaid Resources
- Medicare is offering insurance coverage for prescription drugs through the Medicare Prescription Drugs Plan including Medicare Part D. Qualified individuals with Medicare coverage can choose to enroll in this voluntary drug coverage regardless of their income, health, or how they currently pay for prescription drugs. The resources listed below may further provide additional information.
- Medicare and Medicaid
