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 most men live to be close to 80 and women live to be more than 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 become coarser but can appear neat if trimmed.

Skin changes with age. It grows thinner, takes longer to heal when injured, gets wrinkles, and loses some of its elastic quality. 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. Wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can help prevent skin damage.

Physical changes

Skin may not be as sensitive to pain, and may not be able to maintain normal body temperature as well. Heating pads or hot water bottles can 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.

Wear and tear causes stiff and sometimes painful joints, 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 enjoying 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.

Many older adults continue to have active, enjoyable sexual lives. Loss of interest or ability to have sex may be due to loss of hormones. It may also be due to psychological causes.

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 evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Mental and emotional health changes

Retirement from work brings more leisure time, but it can also bring loss of purpose in life and 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 just for yourself. Walking or exercising alone may not seem to be much fun either.

Some medicines may cause side effects such as nervousness, confusion, or depression. Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from medicines. 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 age:

• 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, these substances stay 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 regularly and men their testicles for lumps or changes in appearance, shape, or size.
• 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 difficulties, 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 senior communities that offer 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, EST, Monday through Friday, at 1-800-677-1116.