Because people are living longer, more Americans are dying of diseases associated with old age. Chronic conditions, physical limitations, and the risk of cancer and heart disease all increase as women age, making preventive screening and care a key part of health care for older women.
-
Alzheimer's — The risk of Alzheimer's disease increases as you get older, and more women than men survive to the ages where Alzheimer's disease is most common. (More resources on Alzheimer's)
-
Arthritis — Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) usually strikes women between the ages of 25 to 50. More than 2 million American adults have RA, and typically two to three times more women have RA than men. (More resources on arthritis)
-
Asthma — In 2005, females over 18 were 40% more likely to currently have asthma than males. Taking hormone therapy to help symptoms of menopause may increase the risk of asthma among postmenopausal women. (More resources on asthma)
-
Bronchitis — Anyone can get acute bronchitis, but seniors are more likely to get the disease because their immune systems generally are weaker. (More resources on bronchitis)
-
Cancer (Breast, Colorectal, Lung) — Cancer is the second leading cause of death for women ages 65 or older. (More resources on cancer)
-
Depression and Anxiety disorders — Twice as many women as men are diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety disorders, which can be linked to other chronic illnesses common in later life such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and arthritis. (More resources on depression and anxiety)
-
Diabetes — Women ages 65 and older reporting a history of diabetes were more likely than those without the disease to report a major disability, urinary incontinence, and impairments in hearing or vision. (More resources on diabetes)
-
Emphysema — Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Heavy cigarette smoking causes most emphysema cases. (More resources on emphysema)
-
Heart disease — Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death in women in the United States. (More resources on heart disease)
-
High blood pressure — Loneliness may boost high blood pressure in older adults. (More resources on high blood pressure)
-
Incontinence — Urinary incontinence is common among older women. There are treatments that can help reduce or even cure urinary incontinence. (More resources on incontinence)
-
Influenza — People older than 65 are at high risk of developing complications from influenza or "the flu." You also are at increased risk of influenza or its complications if you live in a nursing home or other chronic-care facility. (More resources on influenza)
-
Hip fractures — Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and disabilities among older adults. Hip fractures are the most common injury related to falls. (More resources on hip fractures)
-
Kidney disease — Chronic kidney disease is on the rise. Kidney failure is a particular concern for African-American women who are 50 years and older. (More resources on kidney disease)
-
Osteoporosis — Lower estrogen levels brought on by menopause cause the body to lose more bone than it can replace, which can lead to osteoporosis (extreme bone loss). Women are four times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis. (More resources on osteoporosis)
-
Pneumonia — Pneumonia is a particular concern for older adults and people with chronic illnesses or weak immune systems. (More resources on pneumonia)
-
Septicemia (blood poisoning) — Older adults are at risk of developing septicemia and dying from it. (More resources on septicemia)
-
Stroke — Since women are generally older when they have strokes, they are more likely to die as a result. (More resources on stroke)
-
Vision — Cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye, are a leading cause of visual impairment in the elderly. Glaucoma is an eye disorder that can cause permanent blindness if untreated. The rate of elderly women with glaucoma rises yearly, and half of those affected are unaware of their condition. (More resources on vision)
You may need to download a free PDF reader to view files marked with this icon.
