Growing old isn’t for the faint of heart. Seriously. The catalog of rising health concerns for the aging population reads more like Hill House than a manageable spreadsheet…but it doesn’t have to be that way! I strongly believe that it's never too late to rewrite the future. It's true that age ushers in new challenges, but awareness and preparation go a long toward mitigating those issues. The top 10 health issues cited by American Senior Communities covers chronic decline, so let’s begin there.

Cognition and sensory loss all made it in the top ten. Of these three, knowing the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease is crucial. Everyone suffers from occasional memory loss, but you should become concerned when someone you love struggles to complete ordinary tasks, when you see evidence of poor judgment, when you recognize social withdrawal, or when keeping track of time becomes a challenge. The Mayo Clinic offers a thorough list of symptomology and suggests assessment with concomitant treatment when you become concerned.

Balance and skeletal issues also made it to the top ten. When calcium is leeched from bones it is called osteoporosis. Balance becomes an important concern when a fall can result in broken bones and long stays in rehab. Osteoarthritis affects 54 million adults, and titanium joints become the order of the day. Don’t freak out. Planning recovery is crucial, because early, aggressive physical therapy restores activity. Get ahead of the curve with these issues to prevent long term problems. Plan on making skeletal issues manageable.

Heart disease is the most dangerous item on the list, and the leading cause of death for seniors over 65. Manage things you can manage, like high blood pressure and cholesterol and diet. Know what to watch for if a heart attack suddenly strikes. The American Heart Association has created a good list of common warning signs, and I recommend printing it off. Post it in a conspicuous place, and learn to spot the symptoms. The classic picture of a man clutching his chest is not a true representation of the danger—any upper body pain can signal trouble. Shortness of breath, sweating and nausea are also calls to action. Immediate treatment can limit heart damage, so be ready to swing into action if you become concerned.

Stroke is not listed on the top ten, but it represents one of the most insidious threats to autonomy for seniors. Print out and post this fact sheet from the American Heart Association as well. Think FAST:

• Facial drooping

• Arm weakness

• Speech difficulty

• Time to call 911

One thing I have learned since joining the ranks of the seniors is the value of being proactive. To remain strong and independent for as long as possible, address concerns before they become issues. Ignoring problems doesn’t make them go away—it just makes conquering them that much more difficult. If you are a senior, adopt a new philosophy for life: be proactive. If you have a loved one who is a senior, do the same. Set new goals. Be proactive to remain healthy and independent.