Around 26 million people in the UK have at least one long-term medical condition. This includes nearly 50% of people aged 65-74 and nearly two-thirds of those over 85. What’s more, the UK’s ageing population means these numbers will only increase in the coming years. In fact, experts predict that by 2030, around seven million older people will have at least one long-term illness or health problem. The ageing population and the increasing rates of long-term medical conditions have had a huge impact on the NHS.
Falls are a particular cause for concern, and remain the leading cause of emergency hospital admissions for older people. A fall can have a serious impact on long-term health, especially for those who are living with a medical condition.
What Is a Medical Condition?
“Medical condition” is a very broad term. It can refer to any kind of disease, disorder, injury, or illness, including mental illnesses. The older we get, the more likely we are to be diagnosed with at least one medical condition. Some medical conditions are fairly mild and may not make much difference to your day-to-day life, while other medical conditions require intensive treatment.
But what are the most common medical conditions in the UK?
Common Medical Conditions in Older People
Advances in healthcare have helped people in the UK live longer than ever before. As a result, medical conditions have become a more common feature of older life. Thankfully, there is more support than ever for people living with the most common health conditions.
It’s important for us all to understand the most common medical conditions so that we are able to spot the symptoms and get medical assistance when we need it. Furthermore, we should understand how to prevent common illnesses and how to live with them.
Here’s our guide to the most common medical conditions affecting older people.
Table of Contents
1. Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common medical conditions among older people, affecting 10 million people in the UK. It causes joint pain and inflammation, which can restrict your movement.
There are two common types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Among older people, osteoarthritis is more common. This is because osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear; after all, the older we are, the more we have used our joints. Around eight million people in the UK have this type of arthritis. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks the lining of the joints.
Arthritis Symptoms
Symptoms of arthritis include:
- Joint pain, tenderness, and stiffness
- Restricted movement
- Inflammation in and around the joints
“Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. In the UK, around 10 million people have arthritis. It affects people of all ages, including children.” – NHS
The risk of a fall increases if you have arthritis. Therefore, people with medical conditions like arthritis (especially those who live alone) should ensure that they can always call for help if they need it. A personal alarm system lets you call for help 24/7. You simply push the red button on your pendant, worn around the wrist or neck, and our 24/7 Response Team will respond. For extra peace of mind, there is the Fall Detector alarm, which will call the Response Team automatically when it detects a fall.
A member of the team will assess your situation before taking the appropriate action. This usually means contacting your loved ones and informing them that you require urgent assistance. The team can also contact the emergency services when required.
Read More – Arthritis: A Useful Guide
2. Asthma
Asthma occurs when the body’s airways are sensitive to allergens and become inflamed. This inflammation can cause a painful and frightening asthma attack, which causes the airway muscles to tighten and narrow, making it hard to breathe. Most people can manage their asthma very effectively with proper medication. However, asthma left unchecked can be fatal. On average, 3 people die every day from an asthma attack in the UK.
Asthma Symptoms
Symptoms of asthma include:
- Coughing
- A tight sensation in the chest
- Breathlessness
Older people are susceptible to asthma and should be on the lookout for symptoms, especially during the winter months. Asthma can worsen during and after a bout of cold or flu.
Having a Personal Alarm could make a crucial difference if you suffer from an asthma attack. You can press your pendant button, which will instantly raise an alert with our Response Team. They will communicate with you over the loudspeaker and arrange for help immediately. Should you collapse or fall while wearing a Fall Detector, your device will send an alert call automatically.
Read More – Asthma: A Useful Guide
3. Blindness
Around two million people are living with sight loss here in the UK, with 360,000 people registered as blind or partially sighted.
The leading cause of blindness is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects more than 600,000 people in the UK. AMD occurs when deposits build up on the macula (a small area at the centre of the retina). AMD can also be caused by abnormal blood vessels developing under the macula.
Other medical conditions can cause sight loss too – such as glaucoma and diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy damages the retina, leading to sight loss. Treatments for sight loss vary depending on the cause, but may include:
- Cataract surgery
- Eye drops
- Laser surgery
Early diagnosis of potential blindness is vital, so please seek medical attention if you notice any change to your vision. Of course, we should all have regular eye tests to ensure that our eyesight is healthy. The NHS recommends that people have an eye test every two years at the very least.
Sight loss can be very challenging to deal with. Luckily, there are several excellent support groups out there that can help, such as the RNIB.
Read More – Blindness: A Useful Guide
4. Cancer
Did you know that 1 in 2 people will develop a form of cancer at some point in their lives? There are over 200 types of cancer, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer.
Cancer is a disease where cells in the body replicate abnormally and form a mass known as a tumour. These abnormal cells multiply, either causing the tumour to grow or the cancerous cells to spread through the bloodstream.
Cancer Symptoms
Here are some common cancer symptoms to look out for:
- Finding an unexpected lump
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained blood in the stool, urine, when coughing, or when vomiting
Smoking is one of the leading causes of cancer. If you are a smoker, there is no time like the present to quit smoking.
Thanks to medical research, cancer survival rates have been steadily improving for decades. Sadly, the survival rate is generally lower for older people. Therefore, it’s very important to catch symptoms early and begin treatment as soon as possible. Please take a look at our guide to coping with cancer, an article we hope will help those affected by this condition.
Read More – Cancer: A Useful Guide
5. Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a condition that affects the lungs and airways. It’s one of several lung conditions which come under the umbrella of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Most cases of bronchitis develop as a result of an infection that irritates the bronchi (airways), causing an overproduction of mucus. The body tries to shift this excess mucus via coughing. Chronic bronchitis is when this coughing continues daily for several months of the year, for two years or more.
Bronchitis Symptoms
Look out for the common symptoms of chronic bronchitis, which include:
- Hacking cough, which may bring up mucus
- A sore throat
- Headaches
- A runny or blocked nose
- Fatigue
- Aches and pains in your chest
Smoking makes you more likely to develop chronic bronchitis and other COPD conditions. Therefore, the most important thing to do if diagnosed with chronic bronchitis is to quit smoking. Cigarettes will only make the condition worse and it will take longer to disappear. Alongside this, you should also ensure that you’re eating a healthy diet to help prevent lung infections in the first place.
If you have chronic bronchitis, you should make sure that you get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and treat any headaches or fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen – but don’t use the latter if you have asthma.
Read More – Bronchitis: A Useful Guide
6. Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is quite common among older people here in the UK. There are several other medical conditions that affect the kidneys and can lead to chronic kidney disease. These conditions include kidney infections, high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney inflammation.
According to Kidney Care UK, around 64,000 people in the UK are receiving treatment for kidney failure – this is stage 5 chronic kidney disease, where kidney function is less than 15%.
Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms
Unfortunately, symptoms for the early stages of CKD are quite rare. In most cases, the condition is diagnosed during a blood or urine test for other medical conditions. As the condition progresses, you may experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling sick
- Blood in your urine
- Swollen ankles, feet or hands
- Tiredness
If you suffer from any of the symptoms above or notice any other worrying changes to your body, you should see your GP as soon as possible.
There is no cure for CKD right now, but there are treatments which can relieve the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. Options include medication, living a healthy lifestyle, dialysis, or a kidney transplant in severe cases.
Read More – Chronic Kidney Disease: A Useful Guide
7. Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease is one of the leading causes of death here in the UK. According to the NHS, coronary heart disease (CHD) is what happens when fatty substances build up in the arteries, blocking the blood supply to the heart.
Certain lifestyle choices and other medical conditions can cause CHD. Risk factors include:
If you are at risk of CHD, your doctor might carry out an assessment. This could involve a treadmill test and one or more different scans. They’ll also ask you questions about your family history and lifestyle. The main symptoms of coronary heart disease are angina, heart attacks, and heart failure.
In order to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, you might need to make important lifestyle changes. For example, everyone should take part in regular exercise and eat a balanced diet. Those who smoke should stop smoking as soon as possible. There are also several types of medication or surgery options to help treat CHD.
The knock-on effects of CHD can appear out of nowhere and can be fatal. If you have a Personal Alarm, you can raise the alarm as soon as you feel any chest pain, and help can be arranged within seconds. Remember, a Fall Detector Pendant will detect a sudden fall and automatically raise an alarm for you. Having this technology can make a huge difference should you suffer from a heart attack.
Read More – Coronary Heart Disease: A Useful Guide
8. Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in your deep veins, most commonly in one of your legs. This medical condition is most common in people over the age of 40, and can also lead to further complications, including pulmonary embolism.
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of DVT. These include obesity, blood vessel damage, being inactive for long periods of time, and a family history of blood clots.
In addition, smoking can cause serious damage to blood vessels. To lower your risk of deep vein thrombosis and several other medical conditions, you should seriously consider quitting.
DVT Symptoms
Here are the most common symptoms of deep vein thrombosis:
- Pain, swelling, and tenderness in one of your legs
- A heavy ache in the affected area
- Red skin – particularly at the back of your leg, below the knee
- Warm skin in the area of the clot
- A mild fever
One common treatment involves blood-thinning medication, which makes it harder for the blood to clot and prevents existing clots from increasing in size. Alongside your medication, you will also need to make some lifestyle changes.
Read More – Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Useful Guide
9. Dementia
Dementia is a progressive disorder that affects memory and overall brain function. It is relatively common in older people, affecting around 1 in 14 people over 65. This increases to 1 in 6 people over the age of 80.
The most common and well-known form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Vascular dementia is another type of dementia that develops as a result of a stroke or blood vessel deterioration.
Dementia Symptoms
Symptoms of dementia include:
- Difficulty remembering recent events.
- Problems in conversation – struggling to follow along or to find the right words.
- Difficulty judging distance.
- Forgetting where you are or what date it is.
Nearly one million people in the UK live with dementia, 90% of whom are 65 or over. If you notice any of the symptoms above, you should visit your GP as soon as possible, especially if you are over 65. An early diagnosis will help you get the best results from treatment while giving you more time to prepare for the future.
The symptoms of dementia can be frightening for you and your loved ones alike. Personal Alarms can offer peace of mind. If you ever get disoriented or become confused about your surroundings, you’ll be able to press your pendant for help. Our expert Response Team are trained to provide reassurance and take action quickly.
Read More – A Guide To The Different Types of Dementia
10. Diabetes
Older people are susceptible to developing diabetes. In fact, half of all people with diabetes in the UK are over 65. Diabetes is a lifelong condition, which occurs when the body doesn’t have enough insulin. This could be because the pancreas isn’t producing enough, or because the body is resistant to the insulin it produces. Diabetes affects an astonishing 3.9 million people here in the United Kingdom.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, where the body attacks the cells that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is when the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin it makes doesn’t work properly. This is the more common type of diabetes – affecting around 90% of diabetics.
Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem among older people, and a large proportion of newly diagnosed diabetics are from the older generation. In fact, one in 10 people over 40 are now living with this medical condition.
Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
To help prevent type 2 diabetes, the NHS encourages the following lifestyle changes:
- Healthy eating – Increasing the amount of fibre in your diet and reducing sugar and fat intake
- Maintaining a healthy weight – If you are carrying excess weight, lose it gradually by eating healthily and exercising frequently
- Exercising regularly – It is important to stay active; perform both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities
Read More – Diabetes: A Useful Guide
Credit: World Health Organization
11. Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that can cause seizures. Did you know epilepsy is most common in those at opposite ends of the age spectrum? It is most prevalent in young children and people aged over 65. In fact, 25% of people with epilepsy are over 65. Every day, 87 people are diagnosed with the condition.
Epilepsy can be caused by head injuries, strokes, tumours, or certain infections. You’ll normally receive a diagnosis if you’ve had two or more seizures. This is because many people have a one-off epileptic seizure during their lifetime.
There are several medications that can help to control epilepsy. In fact, these medications help eight out of every 10 people with epilepsy to control their seizures. If you have epilepsy, you should follow these steps to manage your condition:
- Stay Healthy – Take part in regular exercise and eat a balanced diet
- Sleep – Ensure that you’re getting enough sleep
- Avoid Alcohol – Avoid excessive drinking
Please remember that if you have a seizure and you currently hold a driving licence, you have a legal responsibility to inform the Driving and Vehicle Licence Authority (DVLA).
A Fall Detector could be particularly useful people living with epilepsy and similar medical conditions. This device will automatically raise an alert if it detects a fall. Our Response Team will then arrange help immediately.
Read More – Epilepsy: A Useful Guide
12. High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is created by your liver and is also found in some foods. Lipoproteins in the blood carry cholesterol around the body. There are two types of lipoproteins: low density and high density. You might have heard of “good” and “bad” cholesterol – “good” refers to high-density lipoproteins while “bad” refers to low-density lipoproteins.
High cholesterol is a medical condition that occurs when there is too much “bad” cholesterol in the body. A number of lifestyle choices and medical conditions can lead to high cholesterol. These include:
- Smoking
- An unhealthy diet
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- A family history of stroke or heart disease
Age can also increase your chances of having high cholesterol, as the risk of your arteries narrowing is much higher. The best way to lower high cholesterol or prevent it in the first place is by living as healthily as possible.
This includes staying active by exercising or taking part in sporting activities, eating healthy foods, lowering your alcohol intake, and trying to stop smoking.
Read More – Cholesterol: A Useful Guide
13. Hypertension
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the most common medical conditions in the UK. According to the NHS, more than one in four adults in the UK have high blood pressure. However, many people won’t even realise it. The only way to find out is by having your blood pressure checked. Therefore, it’s very important to have regular check-ups with your GP, especially if you are in a high-risk group.
High Blood Pressure Symptoms
Noticeable symptoms of hypertension are rare. In fact, the only time someone will notice symptoms of hypertension is when their blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels. This is known as a hypertensive crisis. Symptoms of hypertensive crisis include severe headaches and anxiety, chest pain and an irregular heartbeat.
Hypertension puts significant strain on the blood vessels, heart, and other vital organs like the kidneys. As a result, people with high blood pressure are at higher risk of the following medical conditions:
- Heart Disease
- Heart Attacks
- Kidney Disease
- Vascular Dementia
- Strokes
- Heart Failure
Here are some ways to prevent and manage high blood pressure:
- Watching your diet – Avoid foods high in saturated fat and sugar. Replace them with fruits and vegetables
- Leading an active lifestyle – Begin adding more exercise to your day. Start by walking regularly and then move onto jogging if you can
- Stop smoking – Nicotine raises your blood pressure and heart rate. If you smoke, quitting is the best decision you can make for your health
The NHS recommends that all adults over 40 get their blood pressure checked at least every five years.
With a Personal Alarm, if you have chest pains or feel unwell, you can raise an instant alert by pressing your red button. Our Response Team will contact your loved ones and/or the ambulance service to come and assist you.
Read More – Hypertension: A Useful Guide
14. Motor Neurone Disease
Motor neurone disease is a rare neurological condition where the nervous system degenerates over time. It leads to muscle weakness and loss of mobility. Motor neurone disease, also known as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), occurs when the motor neurons that control activities like walking and speaking stop working.
MND Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Difficulty swallowing (and sometimes excessive salivation)
- A weakened grip, usually in one hand at first
- Small twitches and flickers of movement, known as fasciculations
- Difficulty speaking or slurred speech, known as dysarthria
The causes of motor neurone disease are still unknown. However, we do know that it affects more men than women and that it occurs most often in people between the ages of 50 and 70. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for MND, but several treatments can minimise symptoms and slow the condition’s progress. Despite being one of the rarer medical conditions on this list, it’s relatively well-known, thanks to high-profile MND patients such as Stephen Hawking.
Read More – Motor Neurone Disease: A Useful Guide
15. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. The main symptoms are a wide range of problems with vision, movement, and balance.
There are currently more than 100,000 people in the UK living with the condition. The MS Society estimates that 5,000 more people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis each year. That’s approximately 14 people every day. This means that around one in every 600 people currently has multiple sclerosis.
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Symptoms of MS include:
- Blurred vision
- Muscle stiffness
- Balance problems
- Difficulty walking
- Fatigue
Currently, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, although research into possible cures is ongoing. In the meantime, there are a number of treatments that can help to control the condition. Treatment options will depend on the individual’s symptoms, among other factors.
A personal alarm system can be a great reassurance for people with multiple sclerosis and their families. If you need help in an emergency, you need only press your Lifeline Alarm button. Our 24/7 Response Team will send help quickly, giving you the confidence you need to keep living independently.
Read More – Multiple Sclerosis: A Useful Guide
16. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is one of the most common medical conditions affecting older people. More than three million people across the UK have osteoporosis, with more than 500,000 people receiving hospital treatment for fragility fractures every year as a result. This condition develops slowly over time and is often left undiagnosed until a fall causes a bone fracture.
This is because osteoporosis weakens the bones. Losing bone mass is a natural part of the ageing process, however, some people lose density faster than normal.
Women are more likely to have osteoporosis because they lose bone density rapidly after going through menopause. Luckily, certain medications can help to strengthen the bones. Many people also take calcium and vitamin D supplements to maintain bone health.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, certain exercises can help combat the condition:
- Weight-bearing exercises – Activities that involve moving against gravity whilst staying upright. High-impact examples like skipping and tennis help to build bone strength. Low-impact examples such as using a stair machine or treadmill are safer alternatives for those who already have bone problems
- Muscle-strengthening exercises – Activities that involve moving the body, weights, or other forms of resistance against gravity. Examples include lifting weights and using elastic exercise bands
Osteoporosis and Falls
Falls are quite common among people with medical conditions like osteoporosis. Should you suffer from a fall, you may be unable to get back up or reach for your phone to call for assistance. Having a pendant button around your wrist or neck allows you to get help quickly after a fall. For added security, we would suggest the fall detector plan. This advanced device activates your alarm when it detects a fall.
Read More – Osteoporosis: A Useful Guide
17. Paget’s Disease of Bone
Paget’s disease of bone disrupts the normal cycle of bone renewal. It’s triggered by a flaw in the bone cell regeneration system, which causes bone weakness and even bone deformity.
Paget’s disease is a common bone condition that usually affects the pelvis, spine, and other areas of the body. It is a very common condition in the UK, mostly affecting people over the age of 50. The condition affects 8% of men and 5% of women by the age of 80.
Paget’s Disease Symptoms
Symptoms include the following:
- Constant, dull bone pain
- Shooting pain that travels along the body
- Numbness and tingling
- Loss of movement in a part of the body
These symptoms of Paget’s disease can trigger a fall, which can be very dangerous if there is nobody around to help you. Having a Personal Alarm can help people living with Paget’s disease and other medical conditions. Simply press the red button on your pendant to call for assistance. Our Response Team will answer the call, assess your situation and arrange for help to come to you as quickly as possible.
Read More – Paget’s Disease of Bone: A Useful Guide
18. Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive condition that damages certain parts of the brain. According to the NHS website, there are around 130,000 people in the UK living with Parkinson’s disease. That’s 1 in every 500 people.
The main cause of Parkinson’s is a loss of nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. This leads to a reduction in dopamine, an important chemical in the brain. The condition is most common in middle-aged and elderly people.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
The most common symptoms to look out for are:
- Involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body (tremor)
- Slow movement
- Stiff and inflexible muscles
Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. However, there are treatments available that can reduce the symptoms and help those affected to maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.
Read More – Parkinson’s Disease: A Useful Guide
19. Stroke
Having a stroke can be life-threatening if you don’t seek medical attention straight away. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of your brain is cut off. Without blood, brain cells can be damaged and may even die.
Strokes are particularly common among older people. The average age for suffering a stroke is 74 for men in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For women, however, the average age is slightly higher: 80. Across the UK, strokes are a leading cause of disability, with around two thirds of all survivors being left with a disability of some kind.
Symptoms of Stroke
It’s very important to know the signs and symptoms of a stroke. The sooner you get treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be. As mentioned, strokes can be life-threatening, so it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Memorise the signs of a stroke with the word FAST:
- Face – Has their face drooped or fallen on one side? Can they smile?
- Arms – Can the person raise both arms and hold them there?
- Speech – Are they speaking clearly? Or is their speech slurred or garbled?
- Time – Don’t waste any time! Dial 999 immediately if you notice any of these symptoms
It’s absolutely vital to call 999 if you notice any signs of a stroke. Wearing an alarm pendant ensures that you can call for help even if there’s no one around or you’re unable to reach for the phone. Our Response Team will take care of everything by calling the emergency services and notifying your loved ones. They’ll also be able to inform the paramedics of any other medical conditions you have, as well as any allergies and medications you take.
Read More – Stroke: A Useful Guide
20. Shingles
Shingles is a skin condition that is very common among older people, especially those over the age of 70. This is because your body’s immune system becomes weaker as you age.
Shingles is caused by the same virus which causes chickenpox. Therefore, only those who have had chickenpox can develop shingles. The infection will usually cause a painful rash and/or blisters to form on your skin, which may become extremely itchy.
If you have shingles, the affected area will feel quite tender and you may experience sharp stabbing pains every now and then. Other symptoms include a burning and tingling feeling in the affected areas, as well as a high temperature and a general feeling of being unwell.
The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner treatment can begin. The NHS suggests using calamine lotion as this has a cooling, soothing effect on the skin and can relieve the itchy feeling. If your blisters are weeping, you can use a cloth or flannel which has been cooled with tap water to relieve discomfort.
People aged 70-78 are eligible for a free shingles vaccination with the NHS. This is the best way of avoiding the condition.
Read More – Shingles: A Useful Guide
Staying Safe at Home
A personal alarm can protect people living with long-term medical conditions like those mentioned in this article. If one of our alarm users feels unwell or suffers a fall, they can press their pendant button and our Response Team will arrange help immediately.
For more information on our life-saving personal alarms, send an email to info@lifeconnect24.co.uk or call our friendly sales team on 0800 030 8999. Alternatively, complete our handy contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
You can order a Lifeline alarm online today. Alongside the standard pendant alarm, we also offer an automatic fall detector alarm for peace of mind in the event of a fall.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 9th August 2023 to reflect current information.
I thought some of the symptoms I was experiencing were the natural aging process. So glad I stumbled upon this and contacted my doctor. Deep vein thrombosis and hypertension!
Are there anymore blogs on dementia? This was was very helpful but a more in depth one would be better. Thank you.
Hello Robert, Thank you for your comment. Yes, we have several other articles on dementia. I’ve included some links below: A Guide to the Different Types of Dementia Common Symptoms of Dementia 7 Simple Ways to Help Someone With Dementia I hope this is helpful. Kind regards, LifeConnect24
A very helpful article for elderly people and for those also who are taking care of elderly people. Know your elders problem and understand their disease.
Hi Vivek, Thanks for your comment. I’m very glad you found the article helpful. Kind regards, LifeConnect24
Whilst I feel this is scary I do also feel it’s very important. I will keep reading on and inform my husband what to look out for