How the body changes with age
HEALTH TIPS
How the body changes with age
Aging is an inevitable component of life . Young children often cannot wait until they get older because of the freedoms that seemingly come with being more mature . On the flip side , adults often wish they were young again . Time waits for no person , and with aging comes many changes , many of which manifest physically .
The following are some components of healthy aging that go beyond graying hair and wrinkling skin .
Bones , joints and muscles
According to the Mayo Clinic , with age bones may become thinner and more fragile . Joints will lose their flexibility , while muscles lose mass and strength , endurance and flexibility . These changes may be accompanied by a loss of stability that can result in balance issues or falls . It ’ s common for the body frame to shrink , and a person may lose a few inches from his or her height .
A doctor may suggest a bone-density test or supplementation with calcium and vitamin D to keep bones as strong as possible . Physical activity that includes strength training can help keep muscles strong and flexible .
Body fat
As muscle mass diminishes , body fat can increase . The Merck Manual indicates that , by age 75 , the percentage of body fat typically doubles compared with what it was during young adulthood . The distribution of fat also changes , which can adjust the shape of the torso .
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Heart
Organs in the body also age , and cells begin to die off , making those organs work less efficiently . The heart is one such organ that changes with age . It pumps more than 2.5 million beats during one ’ s lifetime . As a person gets older , blood vessels lose their elasticity , and the heart has to work harder to circulate blood throughout the body , reports Johnson Memorial Health . Exercise can help keep the heart as strong as possible .
Urinary tract and kidneys
The kidneys become smaller as a person ages , which means they may not be able to filter urine as effectively . Urinary incontinence may occur due to hormonal changes or because of an enlarged prostate . Furthermore , the bladder may become less elastic , leading to an urge to urinate more frequently .
Memory and thinking
Older adults experience changes to the brain as they age . Minor effects on memory or thinking skills are common and not usually cause for worry . Staying mentally active by reading , playing word games and engaging in hobbies can help . Following a routine and making lists ( as multi-tasking may become challenging ) are some additional ways to address memory issues .
These are just some of the changes that can come with aging . Generally speaking , exercising , using the brain and adhering to a balanced , healthy diet can help keep the body functioning well into one ’ s golden years .