[5 min read]
In this article:
- Gen X is at the time in life where common age-related health issues start to make their appearance.
- Being proactive is the best way to get ahead of any health concerns that can affect your quality of life.
- Partner with your physician or advanced care practitioner to stay on top of your health and make on the best plan for your health and wellness goals.
Gen X likes to remind everyone that they were raised on hosewater and neglect. For many, that may be stretching it a bit. However, Gen X is, broadly speaking, at the point in life where age-related health issues are starting to show up, including those related to when they were a little less, er, vigilant about self-care. Here's a list of common health issues that may begin showing up in our 40s and 50s and ways to address them that can help you stay as healthy as possible as you age.
High blood pressure. For most people over 40 who have never had an issue with their blood pressure, a diagnosis of borderline hypertension come as a complete surprise. While this is a fairly common health alert, it's a good time to get serious about changes that can affect your blood pressure: lower your sodium intake, eat healthier and make time to exercise regularly. These adjustments to your habits can help you avoid an increased risk of stroke or heart attack.
High cholesterol. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 95 million people over 20 to have total cholesterol levels higher than 200 mg/dl, and only 43 million (55%) of people who could benefit from cholesterol-controlling medications currently take them. One of the reasons for this is that high cholesterol has no symptoms. These statistics, combined with research findings correlating an increased risk of heart disease with even slightly increased cholesterol levels in people between 35-55, it makes it extra important for anyone over 40 to get the simple blood test that is needed to monitor healthy cholesterol levels as you age.
Skin cancer. The sun is one of our skin's worst enemies, and a lot of us went without sun protection as children. It's estimated that 90% of skin aging comes as a result of exposure to the sun and that by age 41, the average person has accumulated 74% of their lifetime sun exposure. It's no surprise that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they are 70. You can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by using sunscreen regularly when outdoors and see a dermatologist annually when you turn 40.
Liver and kidney health. Aging is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, especially those associated with the liver and kidneys. The liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate, but after we turn 40, the volume and blood flow of the liver gradually decreases as does the liver's cell production capability. Aging plays a substantial role in the severity and recovery capability from various liver diseases including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis C, and liver transplantation. Aging, stressed kidneys are not as resilient as younger kidneys, and as such become more susceptible to chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome, electrolyte imbalances, and renovascular disease. Simple blood and urine tests can monitor your liver and kidney function as you age, and regular discussions with your doctors should include monitoring of how any medications you may take are affecting your liver and kidney health.
Urinary Tract Infections. Bladder infections, kidney infections, and urethra infections are typical issues that can affect your urinary tract. As you age your bladder changes. The elastic tissue of the bladder tends to become tougher and less stretchy over time, reducing the amount of urine it can hold.
Additionally, the muscles of the bladder wall and pelvic floor may weaken and make it harder to empty the bladder fully. The combination of symptoms can cause urine to stay in the bladder longer, and when urine remains in the bladder too long, infections of the urinary tract become more likely.
The more significant concern is that bladder infections can spread to the kidneys, which can lead to more significant problems. There are a lot of things that can contribute to deteriorating urinary tract health: being overweight, diabetes, low physical activity, medications, smoking, constipation, alcohol, caffeine, diet, and pelvic injuries.
The best way to stay ahead of any issues is to get regular physical exams and communicate openly with your doctor so they can perform simple tests to preserve your urinary tract health.
Osteoarthritis. Getting older can adversely affect some people more than others, especially in the joints. Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of joint cartilage and bone that causes pain and stiffness in the joints, most noticeably in the hips, knees, and hands.
Aging affects the entire musculoskeletal system as our bones go through a process called remodeling. Continuous bone absorption and reformation occurs in our bodies due to the remodeling process, and this leads to bone loss which causes our bones to become less dense and more fragile.
We also know that being overweight increases the risk of osteoarthritis, so the best proactive course you can take to help reduce the pain associated with the natural aging process is to view exercise as essential, not optional, and see a doctor if you are experiencing increasing discomfort in your joints. If your pain is persistent and severe, safe and effective pain management options are available.
Depression and anxiety. Feeling occasionally down or anxious is a normal part of life, but clinical depression and uncontrolled anxiety are not a normal parts of aging. Older adults are at higher risk of experiencing anxiety and several types of clinical depression. This is often related to health issues, reduced socialization, stress, substance use and other significant life changes, including menopause.
The good news is that clinical depression and anxiety are treatable medical conditions. The key is to communicate with your caregivers through open, transparent discussions about persistent adverse changes in your feelings.
Dealing with challenges to mental wellness as we age is all about learning to be more observant, communicative, and open to inviting loved ones and caregivers to help address issues as early as possible.
To age well and reduce the onset and severity of common-related health issues, partner with your doctor to make better food choices, exercise regularly, maintain healthy body weight, and get screenings and check-ups as your doctor recommends. If you do, there is no reason why you can't live your healthiest and happiest years past 40 and well beyond.
Learn more and find a physician or advanced care practitioner (ACP)
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider. You can also connect virtually with your clinician to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
Additional resources
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Prostate cancer: What you need to know
The best time to find a primary care practitioner is when you don’t need one
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
