Aging brings with it more health issues.

You are getting older.

With each passing year, you have more wisdom and experience.

Perhaps you are finding a few gray hairs and noticing laugh lines around your eyes.

How about a few "wisdom spots" (that is what my dermatologist calls them) here and there on your skin?

According to a recent Money Talks News article titled “7 Costly Health Problems That Strike After Age 50,” certain health issues are often more prevalent after age 50.

Diabetes is one of the common health issues for those over age 50.

Treating the illnesses often associated with aging can be costly.

Knowing the preventative factors and understanding treatment for certain health issues can help you manage your risks and anticipate healthcare costs.

What are common health issues?

Arthritis

About 54.4 million Americans have arthritis.

Those with this inflammatory disease paid on average $2,117 extra in medical costs in 2013, according for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

You may find information on how to minimize the expense of treating arthritis on the Arthritis Foundation website.

Osteoporosis

Similar to arthritis, about 54 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone density.

About half of women over age 50 will break a bone as a result of these health issues.

Only 25 percent of men will experience breaking a bone due to the disease.

You can improve bone density with lifestyle changes like adding weight bearing exercises and activities like lifting weights, walking, running, or playing tennis.

Taking supplements like vitamin D and calcium may also help.

Discuss your options with your doctor.

Diabetes

Diabetes afflicts about 34 million Americans.

You are more likely to have develop this health issues as you age.

Of adults age 65 or older, about a quarter have the disease.

Because insulin is expensive, but there are ways to lower costs.

The Diabetes Forecast magazine by the ADA provides helpful tips.

Obesity

At least 33 percent of adults age 65 or older are obese.

Health care costs for these individuals is about 42 percent greater than for those with a weight in the normal range.

Losing weight will reduced risks for other serious illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and osteoarthritis.

Developing a healthy diet and incorporating exercise into your routine can improve your risk factors.

Smoking

Smoking has been connected to a variety of health issues and low health.

By not smoking you will feel better and save money in the long term.

Poor oral health

About 25 percent of Americans age 65 or older have eight or fewer teeth, according to the CDC.

Often severe periodontal disease and pharyngeal and oral cancer are developed by older adults.

Regular visits to the dentist can lower your risk.

Shingles

Although shingles may not be life-threatening, it can be incredibly painful.

This illness is often common for those over age 50.

Getting the shingles vaccine can prevent the illness and its associated health issues.

In fact, the vaccination was 90 percent effective at preventing the illness in those age 50 or older.

With lifestyle changes and careful planning, you may the lower your costs and risks of health issues as you age.

Reference: Money Talks News (Jan. 30, 2021) “7 Costly Health Problems That Strike After Age 50”