Paying for healthcare is something everyone must prepare for, especially for those who are elderly. As people age, their health can decline much faster than when they were younger. This means that it’s possible for a senior to visit a doctor more than usual, which can result in outstanding medical bills. However, getting older doesn’t have to put you in debt if you’re prepared. It’s always a good idea to start an emergency fund, particularly if you already have underlying medical conditions. Here are some of the most common medical expenses you should prepare for as you age.
Diabetes is a medical condition that affects how the body processes the hormone called insulin. Insulin is the hormone responsible for enabling the body’s cells to absorb glucose, which gives them energy. It’s also responsible for converting glucose into fat whenever the body needs it.
According to the CDC, over 25 percent of people who are 65 or older develop diabetes. There are two types of diabetes that can affect elderly people; type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is when the body starts attacking itself and produces almost no insulin. To combat this, you’ll have to take insulin every day to stay healthy. Type 2 diabetes is when the body isn’t using insulin properly and is unable to maintain your blood sugar levels. Unlike type 1, it’s possible to delay or outright prevent type 2 diabetes through simply changing certain aspects of your life.
Knee replacement surgery, or knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that’s performed to treat damage caused by osteoarthritis and other problems. This operation is typically a last resort if other treatments, like physical therapy, don’t ease painful symptoms. However, it’s a common procedure with very few complications.
The National Institutes of Health stated that osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that is experienced by elderly people. It’s also reputed to be one of the most common causes of physical impairment in older people as well.
One medical expense for seniors that’s not commonly talked about is their oral health. Having a healthy mouth can prevent many problems including gum disease and tooth loss. However, our mouths tend to dry out more as we age, which makes preventing these types of issues more difficult. You should always make your oral health a priority and go to a dentist immediately if there’s a problem.
Heart disease is another common medical condition among the elderly. Elderly people are at a higher risk of developing heart disease because of high cholesterol levels and hypertension. Both of these medical conditions also increase the risk of having a stroke. Your heart is the most important organ in your body, so it’s important that you take care of it. Eating well, getting in as much physical activity as you can, and getting a good night’s sleep can help ward off heart disease. Not smoking and only drinking in moderation can also improve heart health.
Even though you can’t stop the process of aging, there are things you can do to slow the progression. Living a healthy life is the best way to stay active, vital, and possibly avoid some of the most ailments in your golden years. However, you should still be prepared for certain medical expenses that frequently affect the elderly.
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University and now enjoys writing about health, business, and family. A mother of two wonderful children, she loves traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can find her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.