Final answer:
Hypertension is the most common chronic condition among those 65 years or older, with 38% of seniors affected by this condition according to the Administration on Aging. Other prevalent conditions include arthritis and heart disease, with Alzheimer's disease being the leading cause of dementia in this age group.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most Common Chronic Condition in Older Adults
According to CMS, the most common chronic condition among those 65 years or older is hypertension. The Administration on Aging reports that arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer are the most frequently reported health issues for seniors, with arthritis affecting 50%, and hypertension affecting 38% in this age group. Although conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common cause of dementia, and cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and atherosclerosis, are prevalent in the elderly population, hypertension remains the most common chronic condition in this demographic.
Elderly individuals frequently experience multiple chronic conditions simultaneously; however, measures can be taken to prevent many chronic noninfectious diseases, despite genetics playing a role in susceptibility. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, with risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and diabetes contributing to its prevalence among older adults.