The aging process is entirely individual, and each person might experience aging in a different way. However, there are certain changes to the body, from the barely noticeable ones to the more prominent, which many people might experience as they age, but not know how to handle or maintain. So, here are some changes you can expect with age, as well as valuable advice that will help you maintain your health and be the best version of yourself:
Hearing and vision loss
One of the most common issues that arise with age is the slow loss of vision and hearing. You might be experiencing clouded vision, have problems focusing on objects close to you, such as books and newspapers, or you might even become more sensitive to light and glare, causing stronger reactions. Similarly, you could also have trouble hearing certain frequencies or even normally following conversations in loud rooms.
While these are entirely natural aspects of aging that nearly everyone experiences, there are a couple of things you could to do promote good ear and eye health. Apart from getting regular check-ups and following the doctor’s advice, you could also start wearing hats, sunglasses and even ear plugs as protection when necessary.
Joint and muscle pain
As we age, our bones tend to decrease in density and size, leading to weaker and more brittle bones that are more susceptible to fractures. Interestingly, this is also the reason why a number of people appear to be shorter after they pass a certain age. Your muscles, on the other hand, often lose their flexibility and strength, which could not only affect your endurance, but also your balance and coordination.
Thankfully, this issue can easily be kept under control. With a proper diet that includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D, as well as moderate daily exercise, such as walking, running or even weight training, you can easily maintain optimal muscle, bone and joint health.
Possible weight gain
Your metabolism tends to slow down with age, burning calories more slowly, and leading to weight gain if your usual lifestyle is continued. However, the group that’s most affected by fluctuating weight are women that are reaching or currently in menopause. During menopause, your body starts to produce less estrogen, which tends to cause weight gain in most women, and also changes the way your body stores fat, leading to different weight distribution.
If you want to maintain a healthy weight, regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet are essential. If you’re a woman in menopause, it might also be wise to incorporate menopause weight gain supplements into your daily routine, which are filled with healthy vitamins and nutrients that will help you look like the best version of yourself.
Weakened immune system
As your immune system becomes less sensitive, your allergies might become less severe, as they generally result from an overreactive immune system. However, a weaker immune system also means you might become more susceptible to disease, and that your body might have difficulty fighting off illnesses.
If you want to stay healthy and strong, you can protect yourself and your immune system by eating well and incorporating physical activity into your daily life. It might also be wise to start getting yearly vaccinations for diseases such as pneumonia or the flu, to help strengthen your immunity.
Changes in the skin
Photo by Anastasiia Ostapovych on Unsplash
Signs of aging are usually most prominent on our skin. As your skin becomes thinner and less elastic with time, you might notice it becoming dryer, with new imperfections, such as wrinkles, fine lines and even age spots, starting to appear. Some might even begin to bruise more easily, due to the sensitivity and fragility of aging skin.
Considering the fact that damaging sun rays are among the biggest causes of early signs of aging on the skin, sun protection is absolutely necessary, including everything from protective clothing to the regular application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen. In combination with a well-constructed, age-appropriate skin care regimen, you might be able to prolong that youthful smoothness and glow, and age more gracefully.
While the aging process simply can’t be stopped or prolonged, evidently, there are a number of simple and effective habits you can incorporate into your daily routine, to be a healthier, happier, and more youthful version of you.