As we get older, it’s typical for our bodies to experience specific changes. At first, these can be scary and overwhelming. However, they are normal and will happen to all of us.
Of course, some symptoms can be more serious, so it’s important to know what to expect and look out for. You may be able to begin preventative methods to keep yourself in excellent condition, both physically and mentally.
In this article, we are going to talk about some of the most common signs of aging.
Want to learn more? Then let’s get started.
Hearing Loss
It’s typical for our hearing to diminish as we age. As a result, we may find it more challenging to listen and even lose the ability to hear altogether.
In most cases, this happens over a long period of time and isn’t always noticeable. Many elderly individuals will require a hearing aid that they can wear throughout the day.
There isn’t much you can do to prevent this from happening. However, precautions such as wearing earplugs in loud environments can help when done consistently.
Vision Loss
Much like our hearing, losing our vision is something that occurs gradually. We will probably all need glasses at one point or another, whether it be all the time or just for reading purposes.
That being said, some other eyesight issues can occur that are more serious. Cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disorders, and floaters are just a few that you should watch out for.
Gray/Thinning Hair
One of the more common signs of aging that most people are already aware of is gray and thinning hair. In fact, it’s one of the first things that can happen, and the age it begins can vary from person to person.
Genes seem to play a significant role in this, but other deficiencies can also impact when it starts. Certain supplements and nutrients can help with the loss, but many consider dyeing their hair if they don’t want to embrace the new color.
You can read some tips on how to transition to gray here.
Wrinkles/Skin Differences
Over time, our body loses its ability to produce collagen and elastin. This means our skin can’t heal itself, leading to sagginess, wrinkles, dryness, and other imperfections.
One of the best ways to keep your skin healthy and looking supple is to start prevention early. A good skincare routine and a healthy diet will ensure that you retain your elasticity. But, of course, don’t forget to load up on SPF every day too!
Tooth Loss
Do you remember your grandmother or grandfather taking out their dentures and putting them in a glass of water every night? While you may think it was rather strange, it’s a standard part of the aging process.
Our teeth become more prone to decay and gum disease. In most cases, it’s easier and more effective to switch to dentures than to try and fix each tooth. That being said, regular dentist visits and excellent oral hygiene can help you hold on to them for as long as possible.
Increased Bathroom Visits
Another symptom that can occur with age is urinary incontinence. This is where you may find it difficult to control your bladder and will require more frequent trips to the bathroom.
While in most cases, this is normal, it can also be an indicator of other health conditions. Therefore, it’s essential to speak to your doctor to rule anything out. It’s always best to get on top of the issue before it worsens.
Muscle Weakness
Since we are often less active as we age, it’s easy to lose the muscle mass we have very quickly. You may find it more challenging to get around, could feel breathless, and can no longer do specific tasks.
Lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits are the best for keeping your body in excellent condition. You also want to avoid sugar and other unhealthy items as they can cause further problems.
Brittle Bones
Alongside muscle loss, our bones lose density after around the age of fifty and become more brittle. This is more common for women than men, but everybody is at risk and will show some signs.
Staying physically active is a great way to combat this, as you’re regularly using your bodily functions. However, in some cases, you may be recommended to increase your calcium intake and take a particular medication.
A few of the best foods include:
– Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt.
– Soybeans.
– Leafy vegetables.
– Figs.
– Baked Beans.
Poor Memory
It’s easy to focus on all of the physical changes to our body, but it’s also essential to notice the mental ones. Age can significantly impact our cognitive abilities, and the effect is different for everyone.
Forgetfulness can occur frequently and only enhances over time. Some individuals may even develop an illness known as dementia.
This becomes so severe that memory loss interferes with daily functioning. They may not be able to recognize the faces of loved ones or even know how to swallow safely.
Weight Gain
Lastly, one of the more frustrating aspects of aging is weight gain. Your metabolism starts to slow down, and without diet change, you may see an increase in your overall weight.
Instead of eating unhealthily, it’s best to consume smaller portion sizes throughout the day. You don’t need to be hungry; you just need to watch what you are eating a bit more carefully.
That being said, you can still enjoy a treat every now and again. Moderation is key.
Final Words
As you can see from the above, there are a lot of different signs and symptoms that occur with age. By knowing what to watch out for, you can make the necessary adjustments so that your life is more comfortable.
Just remember that these things are normal. While it can be challenging to see your body going through changes, it’s vital to love yourself just the way you are.