How does age affect the risk of developing a hernia?

Hernia people have heard about it but the majority of them don’t have any idea about what this is exactly and how they develop, to know the answers to these questions stick to the upcoming content that will answer each question. Generally, a hernia occurs when a tissue or organ pushes through a weaker area into the connective tissue or surrounding muscle. There is no age restriction for hernia. It can affect people of any age but with increasing age, the chance of development is also increasing proportionally. As people age changes in muscle strength, connective tissue elasticity, and overall body health may occur and this has a greater contribution towards hernia development. Even though hernias are a common health issue in adults they going to have a significant impact on quality of life if not addressed properly. Continue reading the blog to know how aged people become susceptible,

Age-related factors that increase hernia risk

Due to the age changes several physiological changes may occur and because of it muscle and connective tissue integrity may get affected this is how older adults are becoming more prone to hernias. Here are some of the age-related factors that increase hernia risk, check it out.

• Aging naturally leads to a decline in muscle mass and strength, due to the loss of muscle tissue weakens the support around the abdominal walls, making it easier for organs and tissues to push through and form a hernia.
• As people age, the elasticity and strength of connective tissue also decline. Connective tissues, such as collagen, provide structural support to muscles and organs. Along with increasing age, collagen production decreases, leading to the weakening of tissues that normally keep organs in place. This weakening may make the walls of the abdomen weak and make it prone to hernias.
• Age is often accompanied by the development of chronic conditions that increase pressure on the abdominal walls. In this case, the increased strain caused by these conditions can push internal tissues through weakened areas of the body, leading to hernia formation.

Prevention of hernias in older adults

Although aging can increase the risk of hernias below are some of the steps that older adults can follow to reduce their risk of developing this condition. Preventive measures include,

• Excess body weight puts additional pressure on the abdominal muscles, increasing the likelihood of hernia formation. Older adults should aim to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity to reduce strain on the abdominal walls.
• Engaging in exercises that strengthen the core muscles can help improve muscle tone and reduce the risk of hernias. Low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can be particularly beneficial for older adults. It’s important to avoid lifting heavy weights or engaging in activities that place excessive strain on the abdominal muscles without proper technique.
• Lifting heavy objects improperly is a common cause of hernias, particularly in older adults with weakened muscles. When lifting, it’s important to use the legs rather than the back and abdomen to reduce strain on the abdominal walls. If possible, older adults should avoid lifting heavy objects altogether or seek assistance.
• Smoking contributes to chronic coughing and impairs the body’s natural healing process, increasing the risk of hernias. Quitting smoking can help reduce coughing and improve overall health, particularly for older adults.

Aging cannot be stopped by anyone similarly the changes that occur because of age also cannot be stopped or slowed down by anyone it is a natural process. Due to the natural weakening of muscles and connective tissues, the development of chronic conditions is increasing one among them is hernia. The one thing that you have to do is consult a doctor regularly as you age and adopting some of the preventive measures like maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening muscles, and putting back the excessive strain could help minimize the risk. 

If you are concerned about hernias or want to learn more about preventive measures, it's important to consult a specialist. At Gem Hospital, we offer expert advice and comprehensive care to help you manage your health as you age. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take control of your well-being!