It’s not always easy staying healthy as we age, but most of us know that how we lived our lives for the decades prior to our senior status has a great deal to do with our health and quality of life, and we all know that there are no guarantees. However, a lifestyle that includes exercise, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 will reduce your risk for the two top killers of Americans, heart disease and cancer and possibly help prevent the onset of diabetes.

Here are some of the most likely diseases and physical challenges we may face as we age:

Arthritis – The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 49 percent of adults over 65 are dealing with some level of debilitation and pain due to arthritis.

Heart Disease – This remains the #1 killer of adults 65 and older; those with risk factors of high blood pressure and high cholesterol have an increased risk of having a stroke.

Cancer – Cancer, with all its forms, remains the #2 cause of death; the good news is that many types of cancer are treatable when diagnosed early, and screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies and dermatological skin checks can catch those cancers in their early stages, making them much more easily treated and increases your odds of being cured.

Respiratory Diseases – Chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD, asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the #3 causes of death among seniors age 65 and older. These diseases also increase one’s susceptibility to pneumonia and other lung infections.

Alzheimer’s Disease – This disease remains one of the most devastating diseases to impact both the loved one and his/her family because a diagnosis in the earliest stages is challenging, and the costs associated for care can be financially devastating. Alzheimer’s disease impacts 1 of every 9 people age 65 and older, and to date there are no preventative drugs, no cure is available, and over time, it is terminal.

Osteoporosis – Impacting both men and women, osteoporosis is a decrease in bone mass. The weakening of bones puts people at a higher risk for a fracture of bones, which can and often does negatively impact and reduce the quality of life for those 50-plus million Americans dealing with this disease.

Diabetes – Diabetes affects an estimated 25 percent of people 65 and older. Type II diabetes is easily diagnosed and if caught early is very treatable and may be controlled with diet and exercise. Left untreated it can drastically impact your quality of life and result in blindness, loss of extremities, and death.

Falls – The likelihood of a fall increases with age, and 33 percent of those who go to the emergency room as a result of a fall, return to the emergency room due to a subsequent fall within one year. Most falls occur at home and involve area rugs, slippery bathroom tubs, showers and floors.

Obesity – Obesity is a key health risk factor for virtually all chronic conditions that impact the quality of life. It is closely associated with heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Depression – Depression is estimated by the American Psychological Association to affect 15-20 percent of those 65 and over. Depression can lower your immunity and impact your body’s ability to fight infection. While there are drugs available to treat depression, so too can adding social activities, daily exercise, and spending time with family and friends.

Annual checkups, and a common sense lifestyle can add years to your life and life to your years.

Ron Kauffman is a consultant and expert speaker on issues of aging, Medicare and Obamacare. Ron is the author of “Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease,” available as a Kindle book on Amazon.com. He may be contacted at 828-696-9799 or by email at drron561@gmail.com.