You must have heard of the phrase ‘Life begins at 40’, but so do your health problems. As we age, hectic schedules, uneven healthcare behaviours and unhealthy habits might lead to prevalent health issues. Staying healthy in your forties is like playing Whack-a-Mole. You fix one blister, and then your back gives you trouble. Once you have recovered from your common flu, you develop an eye stye. Your dermatologist may diagnose you with blood pressure after your visit for mere a skin rash. A young spirit lives within, yet your body is crumbling.
But there is still hope, and you can better prepare yourself for a healthy decade. Being aware of health issues is the first step toward preventing, recognizing and treating them.
Common Health Issues after 40s
Here are some of the most frequent health issues that people face as they grow older.
Chronicle Pain
By the age of 40, chronic joint pain may indicate the onset of diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Long-term knee pain caused by arthritis, back pain and spondylitis caused by poor posture can make long working hours difficult. Factors such as genetic susceptibility, pre-existing sports injuries, obesity, and lack of exercise can increase the severity of these diseases. If you exercise regularly and eat a healthy and balanced diet, these problems can be controlled.
Diabetes
Obesity, stress and unhealthy eating habits are all common among today's population. People aged 45 to 65 are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is more common in children and occurs when the body does not produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the most common and occurs when the body fails to use insulin properly. In most cases, Type 1 diabetes is inherited, but Type 2 diabetes can develop as a result of a poor diet or other risk factors. All it takes to keep this chronic ailment at bay is to maintain an active lifestyle, eat a healthy diet and have your blood sugar levels tested regularly (every three years after the age of 45) to see if you are at risk.
Hypertension (HBP)
This is one of the most common silent diseases in today's society. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can result in significant medical events such as a heart attack, heart failure, renal failure or stroke. You have high blood pressure when your systolic reading is 140 or higher, and your diastolic reading is 90 or higher. However, some doctors may argue that lower readings are also considered hypertension.
In addition to an unhealthy lifestyle and increased stress, ageing can also increase your risk of high blood pressure. Regular heart checks can aid in the monitoring and diagnosis of any complications, particularly if you have a family history of coronary heart disease or stroke. After the age of 40, it is common practice to have a cholesterol test every 5 years. CHIL's Care for 45+ plan provides annual health checkups to all insured members.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a loss of bone density and mass that causes bones to break and fracture easily. Bone density loss becomes more noticeable as you get older. Even though this condition is more common in menopausal women, calcium and vitamin D deficiency can also put men at risk. When you reach the maximum bone mass, the balance between bone formation and bone loss can change. You can begin to lose more bones than are formed. The bone density breakdown usually accelerates in both men and women in their forties. It is essential for those who work in air-conditioned environments to get at least half an hour of sun exposure every day. You can choose CHIL's Care for 45+ plan that offers cashless hospitalization facilities in 11400+ network hospitals in care of an emergency.
Depression or anxiety
The majority of mental health illnesses begin in early adulthood, well before you reach your forties. Turning 40 is a significant life event that can cause a lot of mental turmoil. Emotional turbulence like marital conflicts or parenting, combined with workplace stresses, can result in depression and anxiety. This can make you irritated, exhausted, and more susceptible to problems like hypertension, insomnia, and panic attacks.
>>Also read How is Health Insurance Helpful in your 40s?
Takeaway
All you need to do is set aside some time to keep your body and mind in good shape. Incorporate modest physical activity into your routine, such as cycling, running, or swimming. Maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle and practise yoga or meditation to maintain your mental health.
While we would prefer that nothing unexpected happen to us, turning 40 brings many changes to our lives. Good health is a blessing, but some health issues may arise at this age. You never know when life will surprise you, so it's always a good idea to be prepared for whatever comes your way. It's also frightening to consider leaving your family in a financial bind. It is advisable to get a health insurance policy in your 40s because it is the most affordable for you and provides the best risk coverage for your family. You can choose Care Health Insurance's Care for 45+ and above, which offers comprehensive coverage with rich benefits to be your helping hand in difficult times. With CHIL, you are purchasing more than just health insurance; you are buying your peace of mind.
Disclaimer: Underwriting of claims for the diseases that arise after 40 are subject to terms and conditions.
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