Healthy Happy Aging
As you age it’s important to know what is normal for your emotional and physical health and what isn’t. As you age, it doesn’t mean you have to deal with poor quality of life!
Some changes you may think are positive and some as negative. Enoy the good parts of getting older while minimizing the negative parts.
Here are some of the more common bodily changes you can expect:
Bones
As you age, your bones lose mass and density resulting in them becoming thinner and more brittle and sometimes resulting in osteoporosis. This can run the risk of broken bones, including in the spine which can cause a stooped posture and loss of height. Check with your physician about what you can do to prevent osteoporosis. You can read further information on bone health treatment here.
Heart
As you age, you may develop arteriosclerosis which is the result of your large arteries become stiffer and this can lead to high blood pressure. Your arteries may start to buildup with fatty deposits which can harden and narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. These conditions are called atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease and are major factors for heart attacks. Follow a healthy diet and get regular physical activity to help keep your arteries and heart healthy.
Brain
As you age, it is common to experience slight forgetfulness and the ability to process new information or to multitask. If your confusion and memory extend beyond the occasional “senior moment,” that isn’t normal and it may be time to check in with your physician. It could be the early stages of Dementia or another treatable condition that’s affecting your brain.
Digestion
As you get older, your digestive tract slows down and won’t contract as often as it used to. This can lead to constipation, stomach pain and feeling nauseous. To prevent digestive issues, follow a diet rich in fiber, drink plenty of fluids and keep as active as possible. Managing stress will also help your digestive system.
Senses
As you age, your five senses (hearing, vision, taste, smell, and touch) aren’t as good as they once were. Changes within the ear may cause some hearing loss and may affect your sense of balance. Your vision senior vision over 60 may dull resulting in the need for reading glasses. Your sense of taste may lessen because of a decrease in your number of taste buds. Mucus production and a loss of nerve endings in your nose may result in a weakened sense of smell. Your sensitivity to touch, pain, pressure, and vibration is reduced because of thinning skin.
Teeth and Gums
As you age, the enamel that protects your teeth can start to wear away, leaving you susceptible to cavities. The nerves in your teeth can become smaller, leaving you less sensitive to pain and delaying a diagnosis of cavities or cracks in the tooth’s outer surface. More than half of people over age 65 have moderate or severe gum disease. Regular checkups with your dentist will help to catch problems early and treat them before they become bigger problems.
Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss daily, and and clean dentures on a regular basis. These practices will have to prevent inflammation in your mouth and can help manage other chronic inflammatory conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Skin
As you age, your skin may start to sag and wrinkle due to elasticity losses. Proect your skin from sun damage and if you smoke, quit. Use anti-aging products on a regular basis like sunscreen and moisturizer. Wear a brim hat to protect the skin on your scalp and face.
Warning Signs Not To Ignore
Aging is not always the cause of health issues. If you are feeling exhausted, depressed or anxious, these are not normal. It may be time to see your doctor for a checkup.
If you experience any of the following, visit with a medical professional:
- Weakness or dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Pressure in your chest area
- Tingling or numbness, especially on just one side of your body
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Excessive sweating
- Sudden vision loss or blurred vision
- Swelling
- Weight loss
- Confusion
- Wounds that never seem to heal