96 Which foods are high in vitamin D? Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar. ONLINE RESOURCES Neoplasia MAJOR PHYSICAL ISSUES Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and brittle, making them more likely to break. This happens because the body loses too much bone or makes too little of it. After age 65, both men and women are at higher risk because bone density naturally decreases with age; women in particular are more prone to osteoporosis, especially after menopause, due to a drop in oestrogen levels. To help prevent or manage it, it is important to get enough calcium and vitamin D , exercise regularly, and avoid smoking or excessive alcohol. In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications. Regular bone density tests can help monitor bone health. Arthritis Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, making it hard to move them. After age 65, arthritis becomes more common due to the natural wear and tear of joints over time. The most common types are osteoarthritis, which happens when the cartilage between joints breaks down, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own joints. For both men and women, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and doing exercises that strengthen muscles around the joints can help manage arthritis. Pain relief can come from medications, hot and cold therapy, and sometimes physical therapy. In severe cases, doctors might recommend surgery to replace damaged joints. stiffness: rigidit swelling: gonfiore wear and tear: usura High blood pressure High blood pressure, or hypertension, is quite common in older adults: with age, 194 ADULTS AnD ELDERLY PEOPLE arteries get stiffer, causing blood pressure to go up, even in people who have hearthealthy habits. High blood pressure can also happen because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough regular physical activity. Diabetes and obesity can increase the risk for developing high blood pressure, too. Changing diet, limiting alcohol, stopping smoking, and increasing the hours of sleep can help, but sometimes medications are necessary. Diabetes Diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person s blood glucose is too high, due to the body either not making enough insulin or using it improperly. Old people are more at risk of developing it because of: inactivity: exercise helps use glucose as fuel for the body; this process happens less frequently in physically inactive people, causing the muscles to retain glucose and increase blood sugar levels; sleep deprivation; metabolic syndrome: fat, high blood pressure, and cholesterol tend to favour the development of diabetes. Diabetic complications can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, neuropathy, and visual impairment. It is important to have an annual checkup exam to ensure that diabetes hasn t progressed to affect other organs and t issue.