Top 10 Health Conditions Affecting Elderly Women
1. Alzheimer’s disease
Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women (according to the Alzheimer’s Association). Research shows that women are two times more likely to be affected than men. Sadly, it seems that longevity could be a curse as much as a blessing, as experts believe this disparity is due to women generally living longer than men.
2. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis makes your bones brittle, weak, and fragile, and it affects women more than men. In fact, 8 million out of 10 million Americans who suffer from this health condition are women. That’s over 80 percent! White and Asian women (particularly those who are past menopause) are especially vulnerable to the disease. Symptoms of osteoporosis include:
- A stooped posture
- Bones that are prone to breaking
- Dowager’s hump
- Loss of height
- Shortness of breath
- Changes in your natural posture
- Lower back pain
3. Heart disease
Did you know that it’s estimated that up to 44% of women in the United States are living with heart disease! Common types of heart disease include:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Cardiomyopathy
- Arrhythmias
- Heart failure
Fortunately, you can prevent heart disease by living a healthy, active lifestyle. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you get at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. Diet also plays a huge role in your heart health, so eat lots of veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil and avocado. Avoid high-sugar and sodium-heavy foods and alcohol. Also, make sure you get enough sleep and get your stress under control!
4. Stroke
Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death for women in the United States. The good news is that 4 in 5 strokes are actually preventable! If you’re a smoker, do whatever you can to curb that nasty habit, as smoking increases the risk of strokes.
5. Cancer
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Sadly, ladies are also vulnerable to ovarian and skin cancers, with the latter being the most common cancer in the United States.
While some kinds of cancer aren’t preventable, there are things you can do to lower your risk of skin cancer! According to the Mayo Clinic, you should limit your time spent in the great outdoors, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you must go out in the sun, two words: use sunscreen. And here are a few more words: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Always cover up when you can and wear sunglasses or a floppy-brimmed hat!
6. Diabetes
Did you know that over 15 million women in the United States alone suffer from diabetes? That’s 1 in 9 women! Unfortunately, diabetes is often accompanied by a slew of other health problems. This health condition can increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and even blindness! Sadly, there’s no cure for diabetes.
7. Arthritis
Like osteoporosis, arthritis is more common in women than in men. “There appears to be a sharp increase in osteoarthritis rates around age 50 years in women, while this increase is not seen in men,” says Dr. Jaclyn McKenna, a sports medicine physician at HSS. “Then, after about 70 years of age, the incidence of osteoarthritis becomes similar again.” This chronic condition most commonly affects the hands and knees. Obese women might be at a higher risk of arthritis than others.
8. Depression
When people hear “health condition”, their minds most likely leap to physical ailments. But mental health conditions are also considered chronic diseases. Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders, affecting more than 21 million Americans. It’s more than a twinge of sadness or a low mood. It’s a joy and motivation killer that strips the color from your world until everything seems dull and gray. Some depression risk factors include:
- Family history
- A history of other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Having a chronic condition, such as diabetes
- A history of abuse or trauma
- Substance abuse disorders
A lot of depressed individuals (myself included) have come to think of it as a constant companion or a thorn in your side. But you don’t have to live with depression! If you’re depressed, reach out to a therapist. Schedule your first therapy session and be honest about how you’re feeling. And remember, no storm lasts forever.
9. Hypertension
Did you know that nearly 60% of older adults have high blood pressure? When your heart pumps a lot of blood that can’t properly flow through your narrow arteries, hypertension happens. Sadly, many people might not realize they have hypertension until they have a stroke or a heart attack. And while high blood pressure is a serious issue, it is preventable! Try to maintain a healthy weight. You can do that through diet and exercise, which (coincidentally) can also keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. Don’t forget to avoid alcohol and salty foods!
10. Urinary Incontinence
Raise your hand if you’ve ever dealt with urinary incontinence. (It’s okay if you raise your hand; I can’t see you.) As the name implies, urinary incontinence happens when someone loses bladder control. According to the National Institutes of Health, the two most common types of urinary incontinence that affect women are stress incontinence and urge incontinence, also known as an overactive bladder. While urinary incontinence can happen at any age, it’s most common in older women. In fact, 4 in 10 women aged 65 and older suffer from urinary incontinence!
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Originally published June 30, 2025
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