After Age 75: Five Major Causes of Death and How to Protect Your Health
Control high blood pressure. This is one of the most important ways to prevent strokes.
Identify irregular heart rhythms. Atrial fibrillation can allow blood clots to form in the heart and travel to the brain. Some people have few symptoms, so medical assessment is important when an irregular rhythm is suspected.
Manage diabetes and cholesterol. Appropriate treatment helps protect blood vessels.
Avoid smoking. Smoking increases the risk of stroke and other vascular complications.
Maintain regular physical activity. Activities suited to an individual’s abilities can improve blood pressure, mobility, and metabolic health.
Follow prescribed treatment. Some people require medication to prevent blood clots, particularly those with atrial fibrillation or certain vascular conditions. These medicines can cause serious bleeding if used incorrectly, so they should only be taken as directed.
Do not begin daily aspirin for stroke prevention without medical advice. It is not appropriate for everyone and can increase the risk of bleeding.
4. Respiratory Diseases and Severe Infections
Respiratory illnesses can become more dangerous with age.
Conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19 can cause significant complications, particularly in people with heart disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems, or reduced lung function.
The immune system changes with age, and older adults may not always develop the same obvious symptoms that younger people experience.
For example, a serious infection may present as new confusion, unusual weakness, reduced appetite, or a sudden decline in mobility rather than a high fever.
Why Respiratory Illness Can Be Serious
An infection affecting the lungs can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb oxygen. In severe cases, it may lead to respiratory failure or trigger complications involving the heart, kidneys, or other organs.
Older adults with chronic lung disease may also experience worsening symptoms during an otherwise ordinary respiratory infection.
Warning signs include:
New or worsening shortness of breath.
Rapid breathing.
Persistent or worsening cough.
Chest pain.
Unusual drowsiness or confusion.
Blue or gray discoloration of the lips or skin.
A sudden decline in the ability to perform everyday activities.
Severe breathing difficulty, blue or gray lips, or new confusion accompanied by signs of serious illness requires urgent medical evaluation.
How to Protect Respiratory Health
Keep vaccinations up to date. Depending on age, medical history, local recommendations, and vaccine availability, protection against influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal disease, and other vaccine-preventable illnesses may be appropriate.
Vaccination does not eliminate every infection, but it can reduce the risk of certain severe outcomes.
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Tobacco smoke damages the lungs and increases the risk of chronic respiratory disease.
Maintain indoor air quality. Adequate ventilation and reducing exposure to smoke, dust, and other irritants can support respiratory health.
Practice sensible infection prevention. Handwashing, avoiding close contact with people who are acutely ill when practical, and following appropriate public-health advice can reduce exposure to some infections.
Seek medical advice early when symptoms worsen. Older adults and people with chronic illnesses may benefit from prompt assessment when respiratory symptoms develop.
Manage existing lung conditions. People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should follow their treatment plans and know when to seek help for worsening symptoms.
Antibiotics do not treat viral infections such as influenza or COVID-19, although antiviral treatment may be appropriate for some patients. A clinician can determine which treatment, if any, is needed.
5. Dementia, Frailty, Falls, and Their Complications
The fifth category requires an important distinction.
Dementia and frailty are not single causes of death in the same way as a heart attack or stroke. However, they can contribute to serious complications and increase vulnerability to illness, injury, and loss of independence.
Dementia affects memory, thinking, communication, and the ability to manage everyday activities. Frailty involves reduced physical reserve, making it harder for the body to recover from events such as infections, falls, surgery, or hospitalization.
These conditions become more common with age, but neither is an inevitable part of growing older.
Why Falls Matter
Falls are a major health concern among older adults.
Age-related changes in balance, vision, muscle strength, and reaction time can increase the likelihood of falling. Certain medications, dizziness, poorly fitting footwear, and environmental hazards can add to the risk.
A fall can result in a broken hip, head injury, loss of confidence, or prolonged immobility.
In some cases, complications from an injury or the loss of mobility can have serious consequences.
How to Reduce the Risk of Falls
Build strength and balance. Appropriate exercises can improve stability and make everyday movements easier. Examples include supervised strength training, balance exercises, and walking when safe.
Review medications. Some medicines can cause dizziness, low blood pressure, drowsiness, or impaired coordination. A clinician or pharmacist can review the medication list and identify possible problems.
Never stop prescribed medication abruptly without medical guidance.
Improve home safety. Remove loose rugs, keep walkways clear, improve lighting, and install grab bars where needed.
Check vision and hearing. Appropriate glasses, hearing aids, and regular assessments can help people remain aware of their surroundings.
Choose suitable footwear. Supportive shoes with secure fastenings and nonslip soles may reduce the risk of slipping.
Assess unexplained falls. Repeated falls can indicate an underlying issue such as low blood pressure, heart rhythm abnormalities, balance disorders, medication effects, or neurological disease.
A fall involving a head injury deserves particular attention, especially in someone taking blood-thinning medication.
Supporting Brain Health
Dementia has multiple causes, and no single habit can guarantee its prevention.
Nevertheless, several measures support overall brain and cardiovascular health:
Manage high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.
Remain physically active according to individual abilities.
Avoid smoking.
Maintain social connections.
Participate in mentally engaging activities.
Treat hearing and vision problems when possible.
Eat a varied, balanced diet.
Get adequate sleep and seek help for persistent sleep problems.
Sudden confusion should not automatically be attributed to dementia or normal aging. It may result from an infection, medication reaction, dehydration, stroke, or another urgent medical problem.
A sudden change in mental status requires prompt medical evaluation.
6. Another Important Risk: Diabetes and Kidney Disease
Although the five categories above cover several major concerns, diabetes and chronic kidney disease also deserve attention.
Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, vision problems, and foot complications.
Chronic kidney disease can develop gradually and may cause few symptoms in its early stages. It can affect fluid balance, blood pressure, bone health, and the body’s ability to remove waste products.
These conditions are especially important because they can interact with other illnesses.
For example, poorly controlled diabetes can worsen cardiovascular risk, while kidney disease can affect which medicines are safe and how their doses should be adjusted.
Practical Steps for Kidney and Metabolic Health
Follow recommended blood tests and urine tests when advised by a healthcare professional.
Manage blood pressure and blood sugar according to an individualized treatment plan.
Take medicines only as directed and ask whether any over-the-counter painkillers or supplements could affect kidney function.
Avoid frequent or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, without appropriate medical advice, particularly if kidney disease, dehydration, heart failure, or certain medication combinations are present.
Drink enough fluid to avoid dehydration, while following any fluid restrictions prescribed for heart or kidney conditions.
There is no single ideal fluid intake for every person. Some older adults need specific limits because of medical conditions.
7. The Daily Habits That Matter Most After Age 75
Preventing illness does not require a perfect lifestyle or an exhausting exercise program.
Small, consistent habits can support health, mobility, and independence.
Eat Enough Nutritious Food
Older adults need adequate energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fluids.
Include a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, eggs, fish, dairy products or suitable alternatives, and other sources of protein according to personal preferences and medical needs.
Protein is particularly important for maintaining muscle, but individual requirements vary, especially in people with kidney disease.
If appetite has declined, unexplained weight loss has occurred, or chewing and swallowing have become difficult, seek professional advice.
Malnutrition can develop even in people who appear to have a normal body weight.
Stay Physically Active
Movement supports cardiovascular health, muscle strength, balance, mood, and everyday functioning.
Walking is a practical option for many people, but it is not the only choice.
Depending on ability, activities might include chair exercises, gentle resistance training, water exercise, or supervised balance exercises.
People who have been inactive for a long time or who have significant medical conditions should discuss an appropriate starting point with a healthcare professional.
The goal is to maintain safe, regular movement rather than to compete with younger people or push through pain.
Protect Sleep
Sleep patterns often change with age, but persistent insomnia, loud snoring accompanied by breathing pauses, or excessive daytime sleepiness deserves attention.
Pain, medications, nighttime urination, and medical conditions can all interfere with sleep.
Improving sleep habits and addressing underlying problems may help support concentration, energy, and overall well-being.
Maintain Social Connections
Loneliness and social isolation can affect emotional well-being and may be associated with poorer health outcomes.
Regular conversations with family, visits with friends, community activities, and hobbies can provide connection and structure.
People who live alone may benefit from arranging regular check-ins with trusted relatives, neighbors, or caregivers.
Social support can also help older adults attend appointments, obtain nutritious food, and manage complicated medication schedules.
Review Medications Regularly
As people age, the effects of certain medications can change because of differences in kidney function, liver function, body composition, and interactions with other drugs.
A medication that was appropriate years earlier may need reassessment.
Ask a healthcare professional to review prescription medicines, nonprescription products, vitamins, and supplements, particularly after hospitalization or when new symptoms develop.
Do not discontinue important medicines without advice.
Attend Preventive Health Appointments
Regular medical appointments can help identify conditions before they cause noticeable symptoms.
Depending on the individual’s health, these visits may include blood pressure checks, diabetes monitoring, vaccination reviews, medication assessments, vision and hearing evaluations, and discussions about falls or memory changes.
Preventive care should be individualized rather than based on age alone.
