Disease Trends in the United States
Aging
About 4.5% of the world's population comprises of the people of United States (U.S.). The country has the world's third largest population and statistical analysis shows that approximately 155 million people have been added to the U.S. population and figures have increased by nearly 105% in the past 50 years (Kotkin, 2010). In addition, the U.S. population has also experienced a qualitative change. According to the Population Reference Bureau, it has become greater, older and increasingly varied (Kotkin, 2010). Females over the age of 45 continue to outnumber the males in similar age groups; however, this ratio is decreasing day by day. But the most significant change in U.S. population trends is the increase in the size of the bands of 70+ and 80+ in the demographic models, which shows that average life expectancy is increasing and is predicted to do so even more in the upcoming years (Kotkin, 2010).
There are many factors responsible for these changes in the age trends. Life expectancy has greatly increased with the increase in scientific advancements. For example, rate of infant mortality was previously quite high due to the diseases caused by drinking of contaminated water. However, recent technological advances have helped overcome this problem by installation of filtration plants and chlorination of drinking water, thus reducing the infant mortality rate. Some other environmental factors involved in the changing age trends are the distinct decline in the use of toxic chemicals such as lead and mercury by chemical factories and better toxicity testing procedure now available to health organizations in the country. By such measures, there is now a lesser chance of people contracting diseases that such toxins cause and can now live a healthier, better and longer life. Excessive sun exposure, over-eating and a sedentary lifestyle has also contributed in accelerating the rate of aging among U.S. residents (Mulvihill, 1995). Therefore, organizations such as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the U.S. strive hard to minimize the health risks caused by the environmental problems.
With the sharp incline in the rate of aging in the country, the risk of medical complications such as the cardiovascular diseases and diabetes has also been increased. Heart diseases are very likely to occur in women after menopause usually after the age of 55 while in men, after the age of 45 (Hearthealthywomen.org). Moreover, as one gets older, the buildup of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries (atherosclerosis) over the years may become large enough to cause blockages and the blood supply to the heart cut off; the result is angina and/or myocardial infarction (heart attack). Hypertension that is, high blood pressure is also very common in aged patients. Statistical studies show that there are more than 70 million patients who suffer from cardiovascular diseases in America and from amongst these, 40% of them have ages 65 years or above (Hearthealthywomen.org). Moreover, 83% of the deaths that occur due to cardiovascular diseases are of patients aged 65 years or above (Hearthealthywomen.org). So it is expected that with the increase in the percentage of senior citizens in the upcoming years, cardiovascular diseases are to be become even more common in the U.S. society.
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) has provided enough evidence to conclude that the number of Americans suffering from insulin resistance syndrome is about 70 to 80 million and almost 40% of them are over the age of 65 (Seibel, 2010). The insulin resistance syndrome is the major cause of what we call the type 2 diabetes (Seibel, 2010). Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in middle or old age and the risks of contracting this diseases increase significantly after crossing 45 in both males and females (Seibel, 2010). It is caused by the over-expression of the gene producing catalase in the human mitochondria. Hypertension and raised cholesterol levels which are very common in elderly patients are also responsible for increasing the chances of having this form of diabetes. It is expected that there is to be a further increase in the number of elderly patients with this medical problem.
As a person ages, there is no doubt that the health complications increase in number. To enjoy a healthier and easier living, it is essential that one adopts the ways that reduce the risk of having diseases associated with aging such as those discussed above. The most important way to do this is improving eating habits and exercising routines. Having a high fiber...
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