Aging: What to expect as you get older
Aging: What to expect as you get older
Posted on Sept. 18, 2006, 7:55 a.m. in Aging
When I was pregnant with my children, I found myself glued to the book, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. It was the “Bible” of pregnancy and everyone I knew had relied on it for guidance. I looked for a similar resource to help people understand the changes we can expect as we (and our loved ones) get older.
You know that aging will likely cause you to develop wrinkles and gray hair. Those are just a few of the changes you're likely to notice as you get older. But what exactly is going on with your body? Here's what you can expect as you age.
Natural changes with ageRegardless of how long you live, time takes a toll on the organs and systems in your body. How and when this occurs is unique to you. The changes are numerous so we’ll discuss them in two parts. Stay tuned to the May Choice Voice to read part 2 of what you can expect as you get older.
Here are some typical changes to expect as you age include:
Brain and nervous systemThe number of cells (neurons) in your brain decreases with age, and your memory becomes less efficient. However, in some areas of your brain, the number of connections between the cells increases, perhaps helping to compensate for the aging neurons and maintain brain function. Your reflexes tend to become slower. You also tend to become less coordinated.
EyesWith age, you might have difficulty focusing on objects that are close up. You might become more sensitive to glare and have trouble adapting to different levels of light. Aging also can affect your eye's lens, causing clouded vision (cataracts).
EarsHearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting adults who are middle-aged and older. One in three people older than 60, and half of all people older than 85, have significant hearing loss. Over the years, sounds and noise can damage the hair cells of your inner ears.
TeethYour gums might pull back (recede) from your teeth. Certain medications, such as those that treat allergies, asthma, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can also cause dry mouth. As a result, your teeth and gums might become slightly more vulnerable to decay and infection. Your teeth may darken slightly and become more brittle and easier to break.
Skin, nails and hairWith age, your skin thins and becomes less elastic and more fragile. You'll likely notice that you bruise more easily. Decreased production of natural oils may make your skin drier and more wrinkled. Age spots can occur, and skin tags are more common. Your nails grow at about half the pace they once did. Your hair may gray and thin. In addition, you likely perspire less — making it harder to stay cool in high temperatures and putting you at increased risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
SleepSleep needs change little throughout adulthood. If you need six hours of sleep nightly, chances are you'll always need six hours — give or take 30 minutes. However, as you age, you'll likely find that you sleep less soundly, meaning you'll need to spend more time in bed to get the same amount of sleep. By age 75, some people find that they're waking up several times each night.
Read the May issue of The Choice Voice to learn about additional changes that occur as we age.
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