Health Changes with Aging

Why does our health change as we get older?

One hundred years ago people lived an average of 47 years. Today many men live to be at least 75, and many women live to be at least 80. Because people are living longer, they have good reason to be concerned about staying healthy in body and mind as they age.

We all change physically as we grow older. Some body changes are normal. Much of the ill health in older people, though, is the result of neglected health when they were younger. However, you can often keep your health from worsening and can sometimes even improve it.

Appearance changes

Hair becomes coarser and gradually loses color, but gray or white hair can be quite attractive if properly cared for. Nails also become coarser.

Skin changes with age. It grows thinner, gets drier, takes longer to heal when injured, gets wrinkles, and becomes less elastic. You bruise more easily and broken vessels sometimes show through the skin. Many changes to the skin that seem to be from aging are actually caused by over-exposure to the sun. Putting a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on your skin can help prevent skin damage.

Physical changes

Your skin may not be as sensitive to pain. Heating pads or hot water bottles might cause injury before you realize there is a problem.

The heart may not pump as well. Hardened, narrowed arteries or high blood pressure make the heart's work more difficult. As a result, you may have less physical stamina.

The lungs lose elasticity, and pollution from the air or from smoking may damage them, causing shortness of breath.

The bodies of older adults do not control their temperature as well as those of younger adults. A hot environment can cause a dangerous increase in body temperature in older adults. On the other hand, an older adult may be very ill without having a fever. In cold environments, the body controls loss of heat by limiting blood flow to the arms and legs. The control of this process does not work as well in older adults, so older adults need to be careful about spending a lot of time in cold temperatures.

Wear and tear on the joints can cause them to become stiff and sometimes painful, particularly if you are overweight or have had joint injuries. Muscles, particularly unused muscles, lose bulk and strength. Muscular disability can usually be prevented with exercise.

Changes in vision are a normal part of aging. As you age, your vision may slowly decrease. Glasses, or possibly surgery, can often correct this. You may also have some hearing loss. It is important to have your vision and hearing checked each year.

Dental care is very important to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Older adults are also more likely to have dry mouth. There may be some loss of taste buds with aging, which may mean you enjoy food less. The digestive system may slow down, and nutrients may not be absorbed as easily. Constipation is more of a problem for older adults.

Reduced interest in sex or a change in your ability to have sex can result from lower levels of hormones. These changes may also have psychological causes. Many older adults continue to have active, enjoyable sexual lives. Other healthy older adults are happy to set worries about sexual performance aside and seek companionship more than sexual intercourse.

The brain and nervous system lose nerve cells, causing slower reactions. However, memory loss is not a normal part of aging. Older adults who have ongoing problems with being forgetful or who have trouble concentrating should be checked by a healthcare provider.

Mental and emotional health changes

Retirement from work brings more leisure time, but it can also bring a sense of a loss of purpose in life, plus reduced status and income. Family and friends die or move away. It may be time to move out of a house that has become too big and hard to maintain.

Poverty, severe health problems, or living alone can cause feelings of helplessness, anxiety, or depression. You may not eat properly or get enough exercise. It may not seem worth the effort to shop and prepare food for just yourself. Walking or exercising alone may not seem to be much fun either.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from medicines. Some medicines may cause side effects such as nervousness, confusion, or depression. Do not assume that these kinds of changes are a normal part of aging. Your healthcare provider can change the dose if medicine appears to be causing these problems.

Staying healthy as you age

Smoking, poor diet, and lack of mental stimulation and exercise can result in tiredness, lack of stamina, and health problems. Too much food, overstrained muscles, and tiring yourself out with too much activity can cause health problems, too. Go for the happy medium. Here are some suggestions to help you stay healthy as you get older:

• Eat 3 or 4 small, nutritious, low-fat, high-fiber meals a day.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than 1 drink per day. As you age, alcohol stays in your system longer.
• Get regular exercise.
• Get enough rest.
• Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations, and take any medicines prescribed according to instructions.
• Have a health checkup every year. Also have your vision and hearing checked regularly.
• Take advantage of any special health screening tests offered in your community.
• Women should examine their breasts every month.
• Get a flu shot every year. Get a pneumonia shot when recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Always report injuries, bleeding, pains, numbness, faintness, dizziness, confusion, digestive problems, urinary problems, lumps, skin problems, or any other symptoms to your healthcare provider right away. Don't wait for your next scheduled checkup.
• Take on as much activity as you find comfortable. Volunteering and helping others can give new purpose and meaning to your life. Joining senior activities can be the start of new and lasting friendships.
• Consider living in a senior community that offers the privacy of your own apartment while providing dining facilities, group activities, and a built-in social life.

For information on services for older adults in your area call your Area Agency on Aging. To find your local Area Agency on Aging, call the national Eldercare Locator toll-free between 9 AM and 8 PM, ET, Monday through Friday, at 1-800-677-1116.

Getting older may offer challenges, but there are also a lot of positive aspects. Older adults are more able take things in stride. This can reduce anger, anxiety, and stress. Many older adults tend to be comfortable with who they are and satisfied with their lives. Aging may be inevitable, but disease, depression, and disability are not.