Despite societal changes that occur in every generation, the biological processes through which we age remain the same. The development from infancy through childhood, the hormonal changes in puberty, and the slowdown of the body as we grow into middle age and our senior years are all familiar ground for every generation.
However, the number of people over 65 is on the rise, with a projected increase of 900 million to 2 billion between 2015 and 2050, increasing the need to help older people stay healthy as they age. To understand how to make things easier for this age group, let’s review the bodily changes we experience as we age, the challenges they can bring, and how to navigate them.
Melanchton A. Mangoba, MD, and his experienced medical team assist the Riverside, California, community with a range of medical needs throughout their lives, including helping them age gracefully and in good health.
We are flooded with hormones during puberty that directly affect how our bodies slow down through middle age and beyond. Testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone are responsible for bone development, growth, and sexual maturity in men and women, and either through menopause or the loss of testosterone in men, we gradually deal with issues, including:
With all of these changes come problems that become more frequent the older we get, such as increased risk of infection, higher chances of heart attack or stroke, getting smaller as bones weaken and shrink, greater risk of breaking bones from falls, and joint problems. We also move more slowly and less frequently and have less energy, reduced reflexes, and have poor posture.
Bodily functions are also more problematic, as we get constipated more often and deal with more issues with fecal and urinary incontinence. As our brains slow down, memory and thought slow as well, though dementia and other problems aren’t inevitable. Hearing and vision are also affected, making communication and observing the world more difficult.
Not all of these issues are inevitable, and many of them can be made easier with treatment, but to keep healthy as you get older, these suggestions can help:
Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, doing basic exercises, swimming, cycling, yoga, and other activities can help lower the risk of heart disease, improve mobility and bone health, and enhance your mood and cognitive function.
Diet affects our health in numerous ways, and a poor diet can lead to various medical problems. To improve this, increase the amount of whole grains, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and supplements like B12 vitamins. Staying hydrated is also essential, so drink plenty of water.
We all need to get proper rest, and with age comes changes in sleeping patterns, including insomnia. Try to improve your rest by removing distractions from the bedroom at bedtime, try to go to bed at the same time every night, manage stress, and avoid food and drinks just before going to sleep.
Staying engaged with activities you enjoy, keeping the brain healthy by staying active, and learning new things are all ways to maintain good mental health.
Stay in touch with friends and family to prevent isolation, which can affect cognitive function and create depression through loneliness.
These hints, along with regular visits to see us and staying on top of your medications, can help you stay healthy for many years to come. Make an appointment with Dr. Mangoba and his team online or by phone today for other ways to stay healthy in your older years.
