What Is Chronic Disease?

A chronic disease is a condition that affects your health and can be controlled but not cured. Examples of chronic diseases include:

  • Allergies

  • Alzheimer's

  • Asthma

  • Breast cancer

  • Diabetes

  • Heart disease 

Often patients have more than one chronic disease. The good news is that many chronic diseases can be prevented, and, if you have one, it can be effectively controlled. Please be sure to see your doctor regularly.

How Do I Avoid a Chronic Disease?

To avoid a chronic disease or to make one easier to live with, start by making some lifestyle changes:

Eliminate all tobacco products

All tobacco products put you at a higher risk for chronic illness. As soon as you stop using tobacco, your body begins to recover from its harmful effects. 

Eat a heart-healthy diet

A heart-healthy diet is one that includes 

  • Vegetables

  • Fruits

  • Whole grains

  • Non-fat or low-fat dairy products

  • Lean meats

  • Fish

  • Poultry

Try to increase the amount of fiber and nutrients you eat, and limit your fat, calorie, and salt intake to a moderate amount. Nutritionists generally agree that you should get about 30 percent of your calories from fat, preferably unsaturated fats like:

  • Olive

  • Canola

  • Vegetable oils

  • Nuts, seeds, and peanuts

  • If you have dietary restrictions, such as diabetes or low salt, try these tasty recipes.

Follow an appropriate exercise program

Exercise can help you prevent or cope with a health challenge. The right exercise program can give you more energy and increases your strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination—plus it can help ease pain and improve your sleep and outlook.

Ask your doctor to help you find an exercise program that's right for you. For specific tips read Exercise Ideas for Older Adults.

Learn to manage stress

Stress is part of life. It's our body's way of protecting us from a perceived threat. However, if stress goes on for too long, it can accelerate the aging process. Some ways to cope with stress include:

Get enough sleep

Older adults need about the same amount of sleep as younger adults: seven to nine hours per night, on average, says the National Institute of Aging. If you're having trouble getting enough sleep at night, read about common sleep disorders and talk to you doctor.