Age-related health issues that may feel embarrassing — but shouldn’t

Both men and women can experience a leakage of urine for a variety of reasons.¹ For women, weakened pelvic muscles from childbirth could be one cause. Another potential, and common, cause is menopause and its physical effects on the body. For men, an enlarged prostate or prostate surgery can lead to urinary incontinence. Obesity, urinary tract infections, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis are also potential risk factors.

Tell your provider about any changes you’ve noticed in your bladder control. Talking openly and honestly helps your care team gain a more complete picture of your overall well-being. They can help you manage symptoms by recommending treatment options including bladder training exercises, medication or surgery.

Think you might have urinary incontinence? Review the following incontinence symptoms.¹ If you have a variety of symptoms, you may have mixed incontinence — a combination of more than one type.¹ This is common, and your provider can help you explore treatment options. 

The chance of falling increases with age.² This may be caused by physical changes, health conditions or medications. But falling doesn’t have to be part of aging.

Tell your provider about any:²

• Falls you’ve had within the past 12 months (or since your last visit)

• Increase in tripping or stumbling 

• Changes you’ve noticed in your ability to balance  

• Hearing loss you’ve experienced, as hearing issues may cause dizziness

Your provider may check to see if there have been changes in your vision or hearing. They also might suggest that you use a cane or walker, make dietary changes, or start an exercise or physical therapy program. The bottom line is that your providers want you to keep moving safely. If you don't exercise, you can get weaker and feel sadder and more anxious.³

Regular physical activity is essential for healthy aging.⁴ But, levels of physical activity often decrease with age.⁴ Less than 15% of Americans ages 65 years and older get the recommended amount of physical activity (150 minutes each week).⁴

Talk honestly with your provider about your daily physical activity. Remember that everything from walking to the mailbox to cleaning the house counts as physical activity. Start thinking more in terms of “movement” rather than traditional exercise. Even 10-minute bursts of movement help challenge your muscles. This could be taking the stairs, pulling some weeds or walking the dog.

You may feel better physically and mentally when you move more. 

Constipation is like the other problems on this list. Tell your provider about it, and they may run some tests. They might also take a look at your list of medications and ask about your daily lifestyle. Other simple steps you can take include drinking more water, eating more fiber- and probiotic-dense foods, and decreasing the amount of dairy in your diet.⁵

Depression has many possible causes. These can include genetics, stressful life events, faulty mood regulation in the brain, medications, seasonal changes, medical problems and chemical imbalances.⁶ Feeling sad or blue or having other difficult emotions can be difficult to talk about. You may think the feelings will pass with time. Or you may not be comfortable sharing your feelings with others. 

Remember that depression is a common problem for many people. You are not alone. But, while common, depression isn't a standard part of aging.

Your emotional and mental health are important in many parts of your life. Talk to your provider about how you are feeling. They may ask if your emotional issues have interfered with your work, relationships, regular daily activities and other interests.

Share feelings of sadness, tiredness, grumpiness and irritability, as well as if you’re having trouble sleeping. These can all be symptoms of depression.⁷ 

Once your provider knows what you're feeling, they can suggest ways to help you feel better. Treatments may include therapy, medication, dietary changes, positivity exercises (think journaling), calm breathing or meditation.⁸

Some memory loss as you age is expected, but when does it signal something more? While changes in thinking may feel scary, it’s important to remember that some age-related forgetfulness is normal.⁹ There’s even a name for it: age-related cognitive decline.¹⁰ It can include things like forgetting names, missing a monthly payment or forgetting the right word to use.⁹

Alzheimer’s and dementia, on the other hand, impact the brain and body differently than everyday forgetfulness.¹¹ 

Check in with your provider if you notice memory loss or other cognitive symptoms, whether they seem normal or not. Common early warning signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia include:¹²

• Memory loss that disrupts your daily life
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Confusion with time or place
• Trouble understanding visual images
• New problems with words or speaking
• Changes in mood or personality

You should also mention any hearing loss that has not been treated. This has been linked to a higher risk of dementia.¹³

And remember, foggy thinking or memory lapses don’t automatically mean brain disease. Some causes can be fixed or reversed. These could include sleep apnea, vitamin deficiency and even depression.

If you have any of these health concerns, talk to your provider.