Here, we’ll examine the most common conditions and help you understand their impacts and the support that’s available to you.
MCCs (or multimorbidities) occur when you have two or more chronic conditions at any one time. The chance of developing multiple conditions increases as we age, and with the rate in the UK rising over 20% between 2004 and 2019, it’s important to monitor your health if you’re an older adult. Of these conditions, the most common include heart disease, mental health and musculoskeletal conditions.
What impact do MCCs have on those over 50?
MCCs can put increased pressure on the body, leading to a decline in overall health (specifically cognitive and physical functions). They can also impact us physically, triggering inflammation, issues with our metabolism, and an overall lack of mobility. Multiple conditions can present challenges for individuals and their loved ones, including being able to afford or keep up with the treatment plans required for each condition.
It’s common for MCCs to be treated as separate conditions rather than considering the bigger picture that multiple chronic illnesses can create. This approach, while well-intentioned, can cause miscommunications—an example is the crossover of multiple drugs used for each condition, which could cause medical complications.
What treatment or support is available for MCCs in those over 50?
A solution to the siloed treatment of MCCs is coordinated care. This means that if you receive separate treatments for MCCs, the providers will share relevant information. This is essential to ensure that important treatment details plans aren’t missed, and that your providers can work together to avoid misunderstandings or complications.
It’s also important that if you suffer from MCCs, you feel in control of your situation. This is where a person-centred strategy comes in. This holistic approach allows you to work with others to set goals, educate yourself about managing your conditions, or access emotional, physical, and medicinal support when required.
Musculoskeletal disorders impact our joints, bones, muscles and sometimes even the nervous system. For those over 50, it’s common to experience MSK conditions such as back and neck pain, osteoarthritis (where the tissues in joints, such as the knees, break down over time), and osteoporosis (which causes bones to weaken and even break).
The NHS reports that over 20 million people in the UK suffer from MSK disorders, with the likelihood increasing with age. The same study estimates that by 2030, there will be over 15 million people over the age of 65, which will undoubtedly lead to an increase in those with MSK conditions.
MSK conditions can occur as a result of:
- Physical causes - including sitting or standing too long, or heavy lifting
- Lifestyle causes - including lack of exercise, poor diet, or physical decline with age
- Medical causes - including genetic or family history of MSK, or autoimmune issues
- Event-based causes - including accidents, or impact to joints and muscles
What impact do MSK conditions have on those over 50?
The physical pain created by MSK conditions can impact many areas of our lives, with 56% of individuals being unable to carry out high-intensity activities as a result. Those with MSK conditions can also have trouble with employment, with a reported 30 million days lost due to MSK-related absences.
MSK conditions can also cause exhaustion, with many individuals saying they experience fatigue as they go about their day. The relentlessness of these conditions can be detrimental to our wellbeing too. This is likely due to the isolation and lack of autonomy created by these conditions - with depression being four times more common in those with MSK disorders.
What treatment is available for MSK conditions in those over 50?
Treatment for MSK conditions varies, including options that don’t involve medical intervention or the use of drugs. Regular physical activity may help, either as part of a planned home exercise routine or at a relevant facility with professional support. Some patients may also find that they require wellbeing support due to how their condition makes them feel, with CBT and mindfulness offering a variety of calming benefits.
Seven in ten adults with MSK conditions also experience weight gain due to lack of mobility and other complications. Excess weight can sometimes lead to individuals developing additional MSK challenges due to the pressure on their bodies. In situations like these, a range of weight management options are available, including consultations with a dietician, nutritionist, or physiotherapist who can support you in developing meal or fitness plans.
In cases where discomfort is difficult to manage, your GP may advise medication. For MSK conditions, ibuprofen is an easily accessible anti-inflammatory and can relieve mild pain. More severe conditions may require GP-prescribed medicines, which may include opioids like codeine.
Some MSK conditions - like osteoarthritis - carry an increased risk of physical disability if not treated. In these cases, your GP or service provider may suggest surgery. It’s shown that a high percentage of osteoarthritis patients go on to have hip or knee replacements, which help relieve chronic pain and, in some cases, can help with mobility.
What support is available for MSK conditions in those over 50?
You can find support for many MSK conditions via the NHS, your local GP, or a private provider. They’ll be able to help you find the relevant support, which may include physiotherapy or a specialist - depending on the specifics of your condition.
Self-management options are also available, including digital apps like getUbetter, which can provide you with relevant information and pain relief techniques to perform in the comfort of your home.
Like many across the UK, you may find that your workplace incorporates MSK-friendly practices. These practices ensure employees don’t suffer due to their working environment, with deskside assessments being part of many company workplace policies. This approach considers whether your office equipment is correctly set up, while ensuring it poses no risk to you while using it.
Cardiovascular conditions impact our heart, blood vessels and circulation and are the leading cause of death in the UK. Reports show that close to 7 million people live with CVD in the UK, with the majority of cases being in older adults.
Among the most common CVDs in this age group is Atrial Fibrillation (AF) - a heart rhythm disorder which increases the likelihood of stroke or heart attack. Alongside AF, both heart failure and coronary heart disease (which was the leading cause of death for men up until 2016) are prevalent among older adults in the UK.
What impact do CVDs have on those over 50?
As mentioned, CVDs make up a large percentage of deaths for older adults in the UK. These conditions may also cause additional negative effects when paired with other conditions. This was brought to mainstream attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, where inflammatory conditions caused by the virus were shown to have aggravated underlying heart issues in certain patients.
Some CVDs are classed as chronic health conditions, which means that due to their long-term effects, they have a greater chance of impacting our day-to-day lives. Of these long-term effects, fatigue and lack of energy rank highly and can lead to further challenges like weight gain or mobility issues.
What treatment is available for CVDs in those over 50?
One of the most common medications used to treat CVD is Statins. This treatment works to lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart issues. The NHS Long-Term Plan acknowledges statins as a successful treatment for CVDS while also touching on other effective treatment options, such as anticoagulation therapy - a process that slows blood clots in our arteries to help lower the risk of stroke.
Depending on your condition, your GP or provider may recommend alternative treatments, including blood pressure drugs like beta blockers. These medications help prevent the flow of stress hormones - like adrenaline - to parts of our bodies, helping to slow the heart and lower blood pressure.
Your GP may recommend surgery to manage your condition, with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and heart bypass operations being among the most common procedures for older adults. The former procedure works to unblock arteries, while the latter helps your blood to bypass blocked arteries, supporting better blood flow to and from the heart.
What support is available for CVDs in those over 50?
Most heart conditions are chronic, so most support options are created to complement your medical treatment. This might include lifestyle management, where a nutritionist, dietician or other health professional lays out a plan to maintain your health alongside your CVD treatment.
As many CVDs occur in older adults, the effects of these conditions can lead to a lack of mobility. Luckily, services such as mobile meal delivery and transportation assistance are available within local communities, and are designed to take the hassle out of tasks which require excess effort, especially for those unable to travel. There are also services tailored to families or caregivers too, offering educational programs and respite care - which allows carers some time of their own outside of caregiving.
Sensory impairments are conditions that, as per the name, impact the senses. These impairments don’t necessarily mean the entirety of a sense has been lost, often varying from partial to total sensory deterioration. The likelihood of being impacted by these conditions increases with age, with reports of around 55% of older adults having hearing trouble, while 1 in 5 people over 75 experience sight loss.
It’s also possible to have dual sensory impairments, including vision and hearing loss, at once. While not prevalent, dual conditions can impact quality of life and may require additional care or support when performing certain daily tasks.
What impact do Sensory impairments have on those over 50?
The loss of a sense, particularly sight or vision, can lead to isolation among older adults. Our senses play a large part in how we communicate, making it challenging to express ourselves when they fail. These conditions can lead to a lack of confidence or the ability to make judgements, making an individual feel like they lack autonomy.
Sensory impairments in older adults have been linked to functional and cognitive decline, and several theories surround this topic. One study showed that the extra effort needed by our brain to function alongside a sensory impairment may cause the decline, while another stated that the lack of stimulation we receive due to sensory impairments may lead to similar cognitive deterioration.
What treatment and support is available for Sensory impairments in those over 50?
Assistive technology is a popular option for the immediate challenges linked to sensory issues. These include hearing aids - which use digital technology to boost sound volumes for those with hearing impairments.
Elsewhere, many technologies have been adapted to be more accessible for those with visual impairments. This includes computer software like screen readers and magnifiers, alongside GPS and smartphone technology with audio cues.
Home adaptations are also available to create a stress-free environment that is easy for you to navigate. This may include ramps for ease of access, and organisational assistance such as the consistent placement of regularly used objects.
You may have auditory and speech training classes in your local area. These functions can benefit those participating in rehabilitation - providing techniques and information to develop your senses and memory via a series of practical exercises.
Surgical options include cataract surgery, which removes the clouded areas around eye lenses that contribute to sight loss. Cochlear implants may be recommended for those with severe or profound hearing loss - and work by stimulating the auditory nerve to improve hearing, awareness, and speech recognition.
Mental health conditions impact how we feel, think, behave, and function - playing a huge part in our daily lives. While some of these conditions are manageable with medication or therapy, others can cause severe distress and require more in-depth interventions.
In an NHS study, it was recorded that over half of adults over 55 experience common mental health problems. This startling figure highlights that as we age, not only do many of us experience a decline in mental or physical health, but age-adjacent events such as financial issues and the death of loved ones can lead to further mental health decline.
The most common mental health condition in this age bracket is anxiety, with over 40% of 50-59 year olds experiencing symptoms. Depression - which is a co-morbid condition of anxiety, is also prevalent, specifically in those 65 and above.
What is the impact of Mental health issues on those over 50?
Mental health conditions impact every area of our lives, including daily tasks. This is reflected in a study which showed that 45% of older adults with mental health conditions lacked energy. This low energy can have a domino effect, leading to a lack of exercise, which may result in weight gain and lack of mobility.
Poor mental health can cause isolation among older adults, with some finding it hard to leave their homes to socialise. This lack of freedom and social activity has been linked with an increase in depression and anxiety, with an Age UK-related report showing that those experiencing loneliness are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
Certain conditions can also be bidirectional. This means that a condition can both be caused by, and be the cause of an issue. An example of this would be that depression can cause sleep problems, while conditions like insomnia can also lead to depression.
What treatment is available for Mental health issues in those over 50?
Talking therapies are a popular option for depression and anxiety. Treatment often includes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), allowing you to challenge negative thoughts and eliminate behaviours that may be creating blockages for you.
Therapy services can provide similar support for severe conditions such as bipolar disorders and certain degenerative conditions. Often, the restrictions these illnesses place on older individuals can lead to a lack of freedom, and loneliness, triggering other conditions like anxiety or depression. In these situations, talking therapies allow individuals to discuss how they feel, while also relieving some of the emotional burden they may be experiencing.
If you’re experiencing mental health challenges, consult your GP. They’ll discuss many of the things we’ve covered and recommend medical treatments should they feel necessary. These may include antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, which help boost our mood by regulating certain chemicals in the brain.
What support is available for Mental health issues in those over 50?
As mental health is currently a prevalent issue, there are a range of different support options available for older adults. These include community support schemes like social prescribing. This useful service integrates individuals into their local community, with each adult being assigned a link worker to support their needs. Through this service, they’re given various options to involve them in local activities, excursions, or support groups relevant to their condition.
Online support is available and can be helpful in many situations, including if you have mobility or transport issues. Organisations such as Live Life to the Full (LLTTF) and the National Council on Ageing offer classroom-based learning and helpful resources, allowing you and your loved ones to engage with and learn more about your conditions. These platforms help give a deeper understanding of living with a condition and offer information on how to support those who may be struggling.
To learn more about mental health conditions in older adults, why not read our article ‘What Are The Most Common Mental Health Conditions In People Over 50?’
If you’re interested in covering yourself for future health conditions, our article on Over 50s health insurance in the UK has all the information you need. In it, we discuss why taking out coverage is beneficial as you age, what you’ll be covered for, and the best policies available across the health insurance market.
If you’d like to learn more about common health conditions and how health insurance can support you, contact myTribe today.
