How chronic conditions impact older adults

Chronic conditions can have various, sometimes serious, effects on older adults. These illnesses can affect everything from quality of life, physical health, and overall mental well-being.

A chronic condition is a long-term health issue that lasts for a few months or more, and is generally manageable but not curable.

These conditions can make it more challenging for people to perform everyday tasks, increase costs for both the individual and the healthcare system, and place further demand on medical services.

Most people ages 65 years and older will develop at least one chronic condition.

Overall, the population is aging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that by 2060, around one-quarter of the United States population will be 65 years or older.

According to a 2025 report, 93% of older adults had one or more chronic conditions as of 2023.

The CDC also notes that another common chronic condition is obesity. Around 2 in 5 adults in the United States have obesity, including 38.9% of adults ages 60 years and over.

Chronic conditions can affect every aspect of an individual’s life, including their overall quality of life.

According to a 2019 review, older adults with chronic conditions can have difficulty performing activities of daily living (ADL). ADLs refer to daily self-care activities, such as:

This can lead to a lack of independence. Chronic conditions may also affect a person’s mobility and make it more difficult for older adults to communicate with others.

Medicare offers chronic care plans, which can help direct a person’s healthcare. These plans list information about one’s health and the care one requires.

Chronic care management (CCM) is a collection of resources available to Medicare beneficiaries with two or more chronic conditions.

Chronic conditions can affect mental health. The loss of autonomy and independence can contribute to the development of the symptoms of depression.

According to a 2024 study, ADL difficulties can lead to anxiety and depression in older adults.

The disability that can stem from chronic conditions in older adults can also have serious effects on individual mental health. This may be due to various factors, including:

This can all lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation. Caregivers can help with this by focusing on a person’s mental health as well as physical health. Caregivers can encourage hobbies and social interaction to help lessen feelings of loneliness.

Living with a chronic condition can be difficult. It can lower a person’s overall quality of life and can lead to mental health issues like depression.

However, there are ways people can help manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

A person can work with a healthcare professional to create a treatment plan. It is then important to follow it, such as:

Learning more about a condition or conditions can help a person make informed decisions about their health and treatment plans.

A person can use the Eldercare Locator to find organizations in their area and check whether they offer programs related to their conditions.

Regular physical activity is important for overall well-being. It can also help manage chronic conditions and prevent complications.

For those who are able, the CDC recommends getting 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, such as a brisk walk or mowing the lawn, each week.

Following a nutritious, balanced diet is another important part of managing chronic conditions and preventing complications. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 notes that a nutritious eating plan should:

Many older adults live with at least one chronic condition. Some of the most commonly reported chronic conditions are arthritis, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Having a chronic condition can affect a person’s daily life and make it difficult to perform daily tasks, especially as they age. However, there are ways an individual can manage their conditions, including working with a healthcare professional to create a treatment plan and following it, getting regular physical activity, and following a balanced diet.