What is Normal Ageing?

You have a lot of say-so in how you feel as you grow older — from your heart and eyes to your skin and bones. You can enjoy a better body by knowing what’s natural as you age and what’s not and by learning simple steps you can try to delay or lessen the changes.

As you get older, your blood vessels and arteries become stiffer. Your heart has to work harder to pump blood. This can lead to high blood pressure and other heart problems.

Try this: Stay active. Walk, run, swim — even a little moderate exercise each day can help you stay at a good weight and keep your blood pressure down. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep your heart healthy.  Manage stress. Get enough sleep. 7 to 8 hours of rest each night can help repair and heal your heart and blood vessels.

You might notice that your skin feels drier and less supple than it once did. That’s because your skin makes less natural oil as you age. Also, you sweat less, and you lose some of the fatty tissue just below the skin. This can make it seem thinner. You may also notice wrinkles, age spots, and skin tags, or tiny growths of skin. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when you’re outdoors. Check your skin often and tell your doctor if you notice changes, such as moles. If you smoke, this is another good reason to try to stop. It can cause wrinkles.

Try this: Hot water dries skin out, so take warm baths and showers.

 Your Teeth and Gums Change

You might notice your gums seem to pull away from your teeth. Some medicines make your mouth feel drier. Dry mouth might put you at higher risk for tooth decay and infections.

Try this: Each day, brush twice and floss once to get rid of food and plaque between your teeth. It’s the best way to help prevent infection. Also, see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

Senior Woman In Bathroom Brushing Teeth At Home

As early as your 40s and 50s, your bones begin to weaken. They become less dense and more brittle. This increases your risk of fracture. You might even notice you seem to be shorter. In fact, beginning in your 40s, you might get shorter by 1 to 2 inches. That happens when the disks in your spine shrink. Your joints might feel stiffer. That’s because your ligaments, the cords that bind your joints together, often become less elastic. As the tissues between your joints break down, you may develop arthritis. Vitamin D is vital to bone health. Some people are able to get enough of this nutrient by spending time in sunlight. You can also get it from tuna, sardines, egg yolks, and milk. Ask your doctor whether you need a supplement.

Try this: Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D. Good sources of calcium in your diet include dairy products, almonds, and vegetables such as broccoli and kale. Your doctor may also recommend calcium supplements.

Going to the Bathroom

You might find it harder to control your bladder. This is called “urinary incontinence.” It happens to an estimated 10% of people 65 or older.  Many of these people get a little leakage when they cough or sneeze, but some lose a large amount of pee before they can get to the bathroom.  For women, menopause can be a factor. For men, an enlarged prostate might be the issue. You might also notice that you’re not as regular as you used to be. Some conditions, such as diabetes, can slow down your bowels. Some medicines might make you constipated. These include diuretics, which help you pee, and iron supplements.

Try to avoid caffeine, alcohol, sodas, and foods high in acid. These can make the condition worse.

Kegel exercises can tighten your pelvic floor muscles and may help with bladder control. Squeeze as if you’re holding your pee. Wait five seconds, then relax for five seconds. Do this four or five times in a row several times a day.

To avoid constipation, eat plenty of high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drink lots of water. Try to exercise every day. It can help get your bowels moving.

Try this: If you get the urge to “go” a lot, see your doctor. In most cases, symptoms can be controlled or even cured.

As we age, muscle turns to fat, and that burns fewer calories. So even when we eat fewer calories, we stay at our current weight. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins such as fish. Stay away from sugar and foods that are high in saturated fat. And eat smaller portions. You probably don’t need as many calories as you once did.

Try this: Get some moderate exercise every day, such as a brisk walk or lifting light weights. It will help you keep your weight steady. Check with your doctor to see how much activity is right for you.

 Your Sex Life Changes, Too

During menopause, a woman’s vaginal tissues become drier, thinner, and less elastic. It might make sex less pleasurable. Her breasts lose muscle and might begin to sag. As men age, their levels of the hormone testosterone go down. They make less sperm and may have a lower sex drive. They might also find it harder to get or keep an erection.

Try this: Talk to your doctor. He can prescribe medications to ease physical symptoms or ramp up your desire for sex.

We can’t turn the clock backward. But with patience, care, and smart lifestyle changes, we can make the most of our bodies as we age.

For any advice on changes that are concerning you, do not hesitate to make an appointment with our doctor at Medcare. Call on 966 860 258 or email doctors@medcarespain.com