People believe that mostly only older people can get certain conditions or diseases. It’s just logical to think that most degenerative diseases occur after years and years of wear and tear on the body. Age-related immune system alterations are typical and to be expected. This means that the elderly are more susceptible to infections and don’t recover from them as quickly as young people.
However, while your youth may give you a sense of invincibility, several conditions are often associated with aging that young people can also get. And it’s still important to be aware of them so you can take steps to prevent them or catch them early if they do develop.
Some of the most common age-related conditions that young people can get include the following:
1. Diabetes
While diabetes is often thought of as a disease that affects older adults, it can also develop in young adults. There are several reasons for this trend. One factor is the increase in obesity rates among young adults. Another is that people live longer, which means more people develop diabetes later in life.
However, there are some steps that young adults can take to reduce their risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes prevention tips for young adults include keeping a healthy weight, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. If you have any family history of diabetes, it’s also important to check your blood sugar regularly.
2. Arthritis
Arthritis is another condition that’s commonly associated with aging. However, it can also affect young adults. In fact, arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions in young adults. Young people who are into sports or have jobs that require repetitive motions are at a higher risk for developing arthritis.
There are several types of arthritis, but the most common form is osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis occurs when the cartilage in your joints breaks down. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints.
The knees are one of the most common joints affected by arthritis. That’s why it’s important to see a specialist if you’re a young adult who is experiencing knee pain or any other joint pain. Other joints that can be affected include the hips, hands, and spine. There is no cure for arthritis, but there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms.
3. Stroke
Most people associate strokes with the elderly, but the truth is that anyone can be affected by this serious condition. Although the risk of developing stroke increases with age, younger adults are not immune.
The American Heart Association reports an 11% increase in incidence among younger to middle-aged adults than older ones of intracerebral hemorrhage strokes, a deadly type of stroke, over the past decade and a half. Several factors can increase the risk of stroke in young adults, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are also significant risk factors.
Fortunately, there are steps that young adults can take to lower their risk of stroke. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly are all necessary measures. Quitting smoking is also essential for reducing the risk of stroke.
4. Liver disease
Liver disease is another condition that’s often thought of as affecting older adults. However, this serious condition can also affect young people. The most common cause of liver disease in young adults is alcoholic liver disease. This occurs when the liver becomes damaged from too much alcohol consumption. As young adults, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of too much alcohol. Drinking in moderation is key to protecting your liver health.
Other causes of liver disease in young adults include viral hepatitis and fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease is a condition that occurs when there’s too much fat in the liver. This can be caused by obesity, diabetes, and a high-fat diet. If you’re a young adult with any of these risk factors, it’s vital to get your liver checked by a doctor. There are treatments available for liver disease, but it’s best to catch it early.
5. Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is another commonly associated with aging. However, it can also affect young adults. Several factors can contribute to hypertension in young adults, including obesity, stress, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle.
If you have hypertension, it’s important to work with your doctor to manage it. This may involve lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier meals, working out, and losing weight. In some cases, medication may also be necessary.
Even though you may be young, it’s important to be aware of the age-related conditions that you could still get. Taking steps to prevent these conditions is the best way to protect your health in the long run. This way, you can enjoy your youth for as long as possible and have fewer health-related worries as you age.
