Our bodies are always changing in numerous ways as we grow old, which can be both good and bad. These changes vary from person to person depending on the lifestyle one follows, but there are a few changes that every human body undergoes as it grows old.
This age bracket is a crucial one where some people succeed in maintaining their health while others develop multiple diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, etc., which is normal. There are a lot of steps you can take beforehand to stay healthy as you grow old. However, you need to understand the potential changes that your body may undergo to prevent illnesses and weakness. We present a list of a few universal changes that a body must go through as it progresses toward its 70s:
Disease Risk
Your body is more susceptible to disease as you grow older because of general body weakness and exposure to certain harmful substances. According to research by the National Cancer Institute, one-quarter of new cancer patients are aged between 65 and 74. This is because the number of cell mutations in your body increases as you grow old, increasing the risk of developing cancer.
Several organizations, like www.mesotheliomahope.com, are working toward educating people on the dangers and long-term effects of coming in contact with harmful chemicals. Understand the impact that certain chemicals have on your body to stay away from such diseases from the start. For example, protect yourself from the sun, limit the use of certain foods, follow a healthy diet, and exercise to stay away from such dangers in the future.
Brain Changes & Memory
The thing affected the most as you grow up is your brain. Your brain size keeps increasing as you grow from a child to an adult, but it starts to shrink as you age, which influences your memory. Your brain becomes slower at responding to things because the signaling process of your brain slows down along with its memory. You start struggling to remember things. To be precise, your brain activity is highly affected as a senior.
Your brain will stay healthier if you keep it working constantly. Keep socializing and exercising as a regular activity to keep your brain active. Take care of your diet from the beginning, especially as you grow old, to keep the blood flowing in your body.
Heart Vulnerability
Your heart also becomes weaker as you grow old. Its capacity to endure shocks and trauma decreases because the blood flow in your heart is affected due to weakening walls and arteries. This is also why the chances of a heart attack increase as you grow old. The most common problem in this age bracket is plaque buildup in the arteries, which prevents the blood from flowing efficiently. Due to this, your heart rate becomes lower even during times of exercise and stress.
The best way to keep your heart functioning and healthy is regular exercise, which is focused on cardiac strength. Eat foods with low cholesterol and fat to keep your arteries healthy and prevent plaque buildup because fatty foods cause artery blockage.
Hearing Loss
Around half of people over the age of 75 suffer from hearing loss. This usually happens because of long-term exposure to noise and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, which can cause weakness. This may be followed by tinnitus, a buzzing or ringing sound in your ear. Your ability to understand things may normally get disrupted due to background noise as well.
Hearing loss is mostly treated through technology like hearing aids, which you can put in your ears 24/7. They are almost invisible as well as convenient to use. You can prevent this condition from an early age by reducing your exposure to headsets 24/7, which is a common practice for young adults. Even if you do use them frequently, make sure you keep them at a safe volume.
Metabolic Changes
Your metabolism becomes slower as you grow old, which is why adults are prone to becoming overweight. People start feeling less hungry and thirsty with growing age. As you grow older, your calorie need decreases, but your nutrient need increases due to a lack of physical activity, general weakness, and loss of bone and muscle mass.
Take regular supplements to fulfill the vitamin and calcium requirements of your body. Change your diet in a way that gives you fewer calories but more nutrients. Have more fruits, veggies, and whole grains because nutrition is all your body needs at this age to stay healthy. Most importantly, try to keep your body physically active by exercising to boost your metabolism and keep your body weight stable.
Bone & Joint Weakness
Bone and joint weakness, a condition called osteoporosis, is most common in women. However, after 70, this condition is found in both men and women at equal rates. This condition results in weaker muscles and tendons, which connect the muscles with your skeleton. As a result, you lose flexibility and a few inches of your height as the bones in your spine may slowly collapse.
A lack of exercise and calcium mainly causes osteoporosis. To deal with this condition, make sure that you consume enough calcium in the form of supplements or different foods. Make weight-bearing exercises a part of your daily routine, such as weightlifting, hiking, etc.
Disturbed Sleep
Older adults have troubled sleeping patterns due to physical and mental strain. They seldom enjoy deep sleep and spend more time in light phases. The condition is found more frequently in women. Like others, they also need an average of almost 8-9 hours of sleep per day.
To sleep well at night, avoid daytime naps, no matter how much you feel like taking them, because they disrupt your nighttime sleep, which is way more important. Try to reduce your caffeine intake because it makes you feel more energetic, especially at night. Making exercise a part of your routine is important to combat insomnia as well so that you feel tired and can sleep more peacefully.
Conclusion
Taking care of your health is always important, but it becomes more crucial as you move towards older age because your body becomes more sensitive. Consistency is the first step to maintaining your health. Taking supplements and medications regularly to stay fit may be a tiring task, but it is important to stay healthy in the long run. No matter how old you are, start taking care of your body today to stay healthy tomorrow!
The owners of Cinnamon Hollow and many of its authors are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
We are not lawyers and this is in no way intended to be used as legal advice . We cannot be held responsible for your results. Always do your own research and seek professional legal help.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
