As you or your loved ones get older, staying healthy becomes more challenging. It’s common for older adults to live with more than one health condition at the same time. This is called multimorbidity.
Managing just one condition can feel like a lot. Managing more than one? That can be overwhelming.
We spoke with Roshni Kundranda, MD, a geriatric medicine specialist with Banner Health, to learn about multimorbidity, how it affects older adults and what steps you can take to stay in control.
What is multimorbidity?
Multimorbidity means living with two or more chronic (long-lasting) diseases or health problems at the same time. These conditions are often lifelong and need regular care. They can include things like diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and depression.
Some common chronic conditions include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Asthma and COPD (lung problems)
- Depression and anxiety
- Kidney disease
- Osteoporosis (weak bones)
- Alzheimer’s, dementia or memory loss
“Multimorbidity is more prevalent in older adults and those with limited access to health care, transportation, housing and social support,” Dr. Kundranda said. “Financial concerns, like the cost of medications, can also make it harder to manage these conditions well.”
Why does multimorbidity matter?
When you have multiple health problems, life can get complicated. You may see different specialists, take many medications or deal with side effects that worsen another condition.
“Even though several chronic medical conditions may have a common cause, their treatments can sometimes be incompatible,” Dr. Kundranda said. “For example, managing heart failure might worsen kidney function.”
People with multimorbidity are more likely to:
- Be hospitalized
- Have a lower quality of life
- Struggle with daily tasks
- Experience depression
- Die earlier than those without multiple conditions
What causes multimorbidity?
There’s no single cause, but many things raise the risk:
- Age: The older you are, the more likely you are to develop chronic conditions.
- Lifestyle: Eating habits, lack of exercise, smoking and alcohol use can all increase risk.
- Family history: If others in your family have chronic illnesses, you may be more likely to develop them.
- Stress: Long-term stress affects the whole body and can lead to illness.
- Poor access to care: Not seeing a health care provider regularly or not getting the care you need can let small problems grow into bigger ones.
Dr. Kundranda noted that physical, cognitive and functional decline can also worsen other health problems. “That’s why comprehensive care is so important,” she said.
How can having multiple chronic conditions affect your daily life?
Having multiple chronic conditions can change your daily routine. You or your loved one may:
- Take many medications every day
- Need help with meals, bathing or moving around
- Visit providers more often
- Spend more money on health care
- Have trouble sleeping
- Feel tired, frustrated and overwhelmed
You might also feel like your providers aren’t always working together. That can make care confusing.
Tips for managing multiple chronic conditions
Managing multimorbidity is more than taking pills. It’s about building a plan that supports your body, mind and daily life. Here are some simple, helpful steps you can take.
1. Build a care team you trust
“Older adults often have complex needs,” Dr. Kundranda said. “Having a coordinated team is so important.”
Find a team of providers, nurses and caregivers who listen, explain things clearly and treat you with respect. If you care for a parent, ask to be part of their care plan.
A primary care provider (such as a family doctor or internist) can help guide the team and monitor all conditions and treatments.
2. Keep a health notebook
Write down:
- All diagnoses and providers
- A list of medications, supplements and when you take them
- Questions or concerns for your next visit
Apps or digital trackers work too, but paper can be just as useful — especially for older adults who prefer writing things down.
“Tracking symptoms and side effects can help you spot patterns and talk with your provider about what’s working and what’s not,” Dr. Kundranda said.
3. Ask about care plans
Each condition might come with its own treatment. But with multimorbidity, you need a plan that looks at the full picture. Ask your provider or care team:
- Which conditions are most serious?
- What can I focus on first?
- Are any treatments making another condition worse?
- What lifestyle changes would help the most?
A good care plan focuses on what matters most to you — not just your lab results.
4. Focus on what you can control
You may not be able to change your age or family history. But you can take small steps that make a big difference:
- Eat a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains
- Move your body every day, even if it’s just a walk around the block
- Stay connected to people who care about you
- Get enough sleep
- Don’t smoke
- Ask for help when you need it
“Stress management and social interaction are just as important as medication,” Dr. Kundranda said. “Volunteering, joining a senior center or even an activity class can help.”
5. Take advantage of resources
Ask about:
- Chronic disease management programs
- Physical therapy, acupuncture or other non-medication therapies
- Counselors or therapists to support mental health
- Transportation or financial assistance, if available
Feeling overwhelmed?
You’re not alone. If you feel unsure where to start, Dr. Kundranda recommends beginning with small changes. “Just understanding your conditions and medication is a powerful first step,” she said.
From there, building good habits and asking for support can lead to big improvements over time.
Caring for someone with multimorbidity
If you’re caring for a parent or partner with several health conditions, it can be a lot. That’s normal. Caregiving is a tough job. You’re doing something important, but it’s okay to need support too.
Here’s how you can help without burning out:
- Go to appointments with them, when possible
- Help organize medications and keep track of symptoms
- Ask providers questions and take notes
- Encourage healthy habits like movement and good food
- Watch for mood changes or memory problems
- Take breaks and ask others for help when you need it
“Caregivers play an important role,” Dr. Kundranda said. “Just being present and supportive can make a big difference.”
When to get help
Call the provider if you notice:
- Sudden weight loss
- New pain or swelling
- Trouble breathing (call 911!)
- Falling often
- Major mood or behavior changes
If you’re unsure, it’s okay to ask. It’s better to check in than wait too long.
Takeaway
Multimorbidity is common, but you’re not powerless. With the right support, you can take steps to feel better and stay strong and independent. If you care for someone, your support matters more than you know.
Aging brings change but it also brings strength, wisdom and the power to choose what matters most.
