As we age, staying healthy may require a little more attention than it did in earlier years. Older adults can experience a range of health conditions, from the flu and broken bones to arthritis and heart disease. That’s because changes in our organs and immune systems can affect how our bodies respond to illness and injury.

The conditions we can develop as we get older are often categorized as either chronic or acute.

What's the difference between acute and chronic conditions?

• Acute illnesses generally develop suddenly and last a short time, often only a few days or weeks. Some examples of acute illnesses include:
  • Asthma attack
  • Broken bone
  • Bronchitis
  • Burns
  • COVID-19
  • Common cold
  • Flu
  • Heart attack
  • Pneumonia
  • Respiratory infection
  • Strep throat
• Chronic conditions develop slowly and may worsen over an extended period of time—months to years. Some examples of chronic illnesses include:
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Arthritis
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity 
  • Osteoporosis
  • Stroke

But of course, the differences between acute and chronic conditions go beyond timing. These types of conditions differ in their causes as well.

What are the causes of acute and chronic conditions?

• Acute illnesses are often caused by a virus or an infection. But they can also be caused by an injury resulting from a fall or an automobile accident, or by the misuse of drugs or medications.
• Chronic conditions are often caused by unhealthy behaviors that increase the risk of disease—like poor nutrition, inadequate physical activity, overuse of alcohol, or smoking. Social, emotional, environmental, and genetic factors also play a role. As people age, they are more likely to develop one or more chronic conditions. In fact, according to research published in 2025, 93% of adults age 65 and older have at least one condition, while 79% have two or more.¹

What are the symptoms of acute conditions? How are they treated?

Acute conditions come on rapidly, and are accompanied by distinct symptoms that require urgent or short-term care. These illnesses get better once they are treated. For example, a broken bone that might result from a fall must be treated by a doctor and will heal in time. Sometimes, an acute illness, such as the common cold, will just go away on its own.

Most people with acute illnesses will recover fairly quickly. If hospitalized for an acute illness, after your condition improves, you’ll likely be eager to return to the comfort and familiarity of home. But being discharged from the hospital doesn’t mean you’re fully recovered. Learn more about measures can take to help hasten the return to your normal routine.

What are the symptoms of chronic conditions? How are they treated?

Chronic conditions are slower to develop, may progress over time, and may have any number of warning signs or no signs at all. Symptoms can include persistent pain, fatigue, physical problems like lack of balance or coordination, and even changes in your body's physical appearance. A chronic condition can also contribute to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Unlike acute conditions, chronic health conditions cannot be cured—only controlled. Managing the symptoms of a chronic condition starts with creating a health care plan in partnership with your physician. That plan may include medication, physical or occupational therapy, exercise, or complementary treatments, such as acupuncture or meditation.

How are acute conditions prevented?

Many acute illnesses and injuries can’t be prevented completely, but healthy habits can help lower your risk and recover more quickly if you do get sick.

To prevent acute injuries:

• Wear your seat belt and practice safe driving habits.
• Practice food safety, such as properly storing and cooking food.
• Prevent falls by removing tripping hazards, using assistive devices if needed, and wearing supportive shoes.

To prevent acute illnesses:

• Get recommended vaccines, such as flu, COVID, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumonia vaccines.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and wearing a mask when necessary.
• Eat nutritious foods and staying hydrated.
• Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep nightly.
• Stay physically active.
• Manage stress.
• Take your medications as directed.
• Seek medical care early if symptoms suddenly worsen.

How are chronic conditions prevented?

Similar to acute illnesses, not all chronic conditions can be avoided. But you can lower your risk  by practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors. These include staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, limiting sun exposure, and refraining from drugs, smoking, and excessive alcohol use.

Why self-management for chronic conditions matters

Self-management for chronic disease means taking an active role in caring for your health and managing your condition day to day. If you’re one of the 93% of older adults who has at least one chronic condition, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options that can help you control your symptoms. Being proactive can help keep your symptoms from getting worse and improve your quality of life.

Source

1. Kathleen B. Watson, PhD, et al. Trends in Multiple Chronic Conditions Among US Adults, By Life Stage, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2013-2023. Preventing Chronic Disease. April 17, 2025. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2025/24_0539.htm