Healthy and Fit Into Old Age: Consequences of Unhealthy Lifestyles

Many physical conditions and also diseases do not cause us any discomfort for a long period of time. Too little exercise in everyday life is convenient at first, because excess weight, high blood pressure, elevated blood fat levels and blood sugar levels do not hurt. We usually get the bill for this at an older age, when secondary symptoms occur. In the following, we present some typical diseases that arise due to unhealthy lifestyles.

Diabetes mellitus in old age

It is assumed that about four million people in Germany suffer from diabetes. Nearly 90 percent suffer from the so-called type 2 diabetes. This becomes more frequent with increasing age and is favored by overweight and lack of exercise.

People at risk can already significantly reduce their risk by moderately reducing their weight, eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet and following a moderate exercise program.

Diabetes can lead to functional impairments of the eyes and kidneys, among other things. Diabetic foot, wound healing disorders and even loss of limbs are also sequelae.

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death

Cardiovascular diseases represent the most common cause of death among men and women in Germany. They are favored by:

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Elevated blood lipid levels
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension

This results in calcification of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) and thus an increased risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.

Studies show that the mortality rate after a heart attack or stroke has decreased significantly. The long-term consequences, however, can be extremely stressful for those affected. Stroke, for example, is the most common reason for needing long-term care in adulthood because of its neurological late effects.

Musculoskeletal disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders represent a major health problem. With respect to musculoskeletal disorders, both increasing numbers of cases and longer periods of incapacity for work are observed with increasing age. Chronic back pain, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are common conditions.

It is assumed, for example, that four to seven million people in Germany are affected by osteoporosis. Women after menopause in particular are at high risk of developing osteoporosis.

Existing osteoporosis is often symptom-free over a long period of time. Only in advanced stages can osteoporosis lead to bone fractures. These often occur in the context of everyday stress. As a result, the very old often lose their independence and, not infrequently, become completely immobile and in need of care.