Everyone wants to remain healthy and happy as they age, but the process isn’t always easy. Fortunately, there are numerous ways you can make the aging process easier on yourself. From exercise to meditation, there are many ways to boost your quality of life as you age. Many different types of medication can also help you ease into old age with grace. But which ones work and which ones don’t?
Let’s take a look at some common medications for aging and see how helpful they really are.
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Cardiovascular Medications
Heart disease is becoming a problem increasingly as people get older. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for people in their 60s and 70s to experience heart problems. But heart disease comes with plenty of issues for people of all ages.
- Statins
These are among the most common medications prescribed to treat high cholesterol. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, so these medications are an excellent idea for people at risk for it.
- Blood Pressure Medications
High blood pressure can cause heart disease and is more common in older people. It’s crucial to treat high blood pressure as you get older because it’s very easy to develop other health problems as you age.
- Aspirin
Aspirin, or blood thinners, is often recommended as a treatment for heart disease. It can also help other problems, but make sure you’re using them as instructed.
Musculoskeletal Medications
It’s very common for older people to experience joint pain or other musculoskeletal issues. These can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, so many people look to medication.
- NSAIDs Like Ibuprofen
These are a very common type of pain reliever that doesn’t come with the same risks as some other medications. They work well for many sorts of pain and are relatively easy to find.
- COX-2 Inhibitors
These are more powerful than NSAIDs but with a lower risk of side effects. They’re commonly used to treat arthritis, but they can also be useful for treating other musculoskeletal issues.
- DMARDs Like Methotrexate
These are usually used as a last resort for treating joint pain. They come with serious risks and should only be taken under supervision.
Respiratory Medications
Respiratory issues are common in older people. Many of these are brought on by lifestyle choices and are not particularly serious, but some can be very serious. These issues can be helped by taking medication.
- Anticholinergics
These are commonly used for chronic issues like asthma or COPD. They’re often helpful for people who have difficulty using inhalers.
- Decongestants
These are often used to treat common colds but can also be used to treat allergies.
- Steroids
These are sometimes used to treat asthma or COPD, but they’re also sometimes used to treat allergic reactions.
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Holistic Ways To Help Aging
You don’t always have to reach for medication to help ease the aches and pains of aging. Instead, there are lifestyle changes you can make to make the process easier.
Yoga And Meditation
We all get older. But one way to mitigate stress is through yoga and meditation. Yoga has very physical benefits, but it also has mental benefits. When practiced regularly, yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and improve mood. Meditation has similar benefits, but it is less focused on the body. Many people turn to yoga or meditation as they enter their later years, and these practices can benefit them.
Exercise
Exercise has many benefits, but it’s especially important for people who are getting older. As people age, it becomes increasingly important to stay fit. Physical activity can help keep the heart healthy, reduce the risk of certain diseases, and even improve sleep quality. Exercise can also help improve mood and reduce anxiety, which is invaluable as we age.
