What are some common illnesses in older adults?

The choice identifying arthritis, heart disease, dementia, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease accurately reflects some of the most prevalent health issues affecting older adults. As individuals age, their bodies undergo various physiological changes that can increase susceptibility to these chronic conditions.

Arthritis, for example, is a common degenerative joint disease that leads to pain and disability, significantly impacting mobility and quality of life. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in older adults, primarily due to the accumulation of risk factors over the years, including high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Dementia, including conditions like Alzheimer's disease, profoundly affects cognitive function, leading to memory loss and changes in behavior. Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is prevalent in older age groups and can lead to severe complications if not well managed. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) further illustrates the respiratory challenges faced, often arising from long-term exposure to harmful substances or genetics.

In contrast, the other options list conditions that, while they can affect older individuals, are not primarily classified as common chronic illnesses in this age group. For instance, asthma and migraines may occur in older adults but are more characterized by variability in age onset and do not individually represent the predominant health trends observed