My grandmother lived to the very privileged old age of 105. She was a rarity among people in America, where the average life expectancy at the time of her death (2005) was 78.24 years – 75.78 years for men and 80.81 years for women. I don’t think I want to live to be that old unless someone invents an energy drug that makes you feel 40 all over again. Oh – and that’s safe and LEGAL!
Regardless, the above statistics are changing due to modern technology. Doctors and scientists are learning more and more about how our bodies work, and as a result are able to ward off what could be a possible death sentence for a 70-year-old.
According to a 2011 profile of older Americans, submitted by the U.S. Census Bureau, persons reaching age 65 have an average life expectancy of an additional 18.8 years (20 years for females and 17.3 years for males).
Below is the top ten leading causes of death among men and women, most of which are treatable and preventable – we just have to pay more attention to our lifestyles.
1) Heart disease: The number one cause of death in adults over the age of 60. Heart disease includes heart failure, heart attack, heart arrhythmia and congestive heart failure.
2) Cancer: Cancer is the second runner up. This includes all types of cancers: breast cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer and leukemia.
3) Cerebrovascular disease: More commonly known as stroke, this can be caused by either a clot or blockage that cuts off blood flow to a part of the brain or by hemorrhage. There is damage or death to brain tissue, which can cause paralysis, speech disorders, swallowing problems and immobility.
4) COPD: Chronic obstructive lung disease decreases the lungs’ ability to exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen. As the disease progresses, the patient has to work harder and harder to breath, often feeling as if they are suffocating.
5) Pneumonia: Pneumonia is the fifth highest killer, especially during the winter months and flu season. High-risk seniors are those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and respiratory conditions.
6) Diabetes: Type two (Type II) diabetes, or adult onset diabetes, lowers the immune system and increases risks of stroke, heart disease and other circulatory problems. Wounds take longer to heal and respiratory infections (pneumonia) are more severe.
7) Accidents: Balance disorders, failing eyesight and slower reflexes cause an increase in accidents and falls that can result in fractures. These, in turn, can cause immobility, disability and might hasten death.
8) Septicemia, or blood poisoning: Septicemia is the presence of pathogenic bacteria in blood. This can cause an untreatable infection, leading to death.
9) Nephritis (kidney disease): Inflammation of the kidney(s) can be chronic or acute. It can progress to renal failure and a built-up of toxins in the blood.
10) Alzheimer’s: This deadly disease is characterized by progressive memory loss, personality changes and eventually complete loss of function and ability. The cause is unknown and there is no cure, though medication can slow progression.
According to the CDC, the list changes slightly for men:
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Unintentional falls
• Stroke
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Diabetes
• Influenza and pneumonia
• Suicide
• Kidney disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
Information gathered from The Center of Disease Control; US Census Bureau.