Normal aging

It seems like every other day my body comes up with some new problem. And every time it happens, I wonder whether I should go to the doctor, or whether it’s just another symptom of normal aging. How am I supposed to know? I’ve never been old before. I wish I had a tricorder like the medical officers on Star Trek had. They’d just swipe it over the patient and get an instant diagnosis. Failing that, I thought I’d check out what the experts tell us to expect. I’ve pulled this together using reliable sources, like MedlinePlus, the Mayo Clinic and the Merck Manual. It’s a long list, but if you’re a senior, you probably won’t be surprised. This is not a formula; different changes happen to different people at different times. Many age-related changes creep up slowly. Whatever changes you’re going through, remember that there’s a lot you can do to mitigate many of them and go on enjoying your life.

Bones and joints

• Bones become less dense, leading to osteopenia and osteoporosis, risk of fractures
• Vertebrae become less dense, making the spine shorter
• Cartilage thins, leading to osteoarthritis
• Ligaments become weaker and more rigid, making us less flexible
• Exercise; take vitamin D and dietary calcium

Brain and nervous system

• Blood flow to the brain decreases
• Reaction time slows
• Vocabulary, short-term memory, the ability to multitask, learn new material, and recall words may be reduced
• Balance is compromised by changes in the inner ear
• Some red flags for dementia are the inability to learn and retain new information; the inability to complete tasks you are familiar with; disorientation in time or place
• Don’t worry too much about forgetfulness if it is not interfering with your daily life
• Stay mentally and socially active; challenge yourself

Digestive system

• Digestive process slows, sometimes leading to constipation
• Increased likelihood of developing lactose intolerance
• Liver may be less able to remove drugs from the body; drug effects last longer
• We may react differently to medications, may need lower doses
• Eat a healthy high-fibre diet; exercise

Ears

• Reduced perception of high-pitched sounds
• Trouble hearing in groups or loud environments with background noise
• Have your hearing checked periodically

Endocrine system

• Insulin production diminishes and is less effective, increasing the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
• Have regular blood tests

Eyes

• Reduced near vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Need for brighter light
• Changes in colour perception
• Cataracts
• Floaters
• Dry eye
• Schedule regular checkups; test for glaucoma and macular degeneration

Heart and blood vessels

• Blood vessels stiffen, making the heart pump harder
• Buildup of plaque in artery walls, obstructing blood flow
• Blood pressure tends to increase
• Eat a healthy low-sodium, cholesterol-lowering diet; manage stress; get enough sleep
• Maintain regular aerobic activity, even just brisk walking

Immune system

• Immune system acts more slowly
• Cancer is more common among seniors
• Vaccines are less protective
• Infections like pneumonia and influenza are more common and more severe among seniors
• Get all the regular vaccines

Kidneys and urinary tract

• Bladder can hold less urine, resulting in more frequent urination
• Urinary sphincter is less able to close tightly, sometimes leading to urgency or incontinence
• In men, prostate gland may enlarge and obstruct the flow of urine
• Do Kegel exercises

Lungs and the muscles of breathing

• Breathing muscles weaken
• Lungs become less elastic, deliver less oxygen
• Exercising may be more difficult
• Lungs become less able to fight infection
• Try to build up endurance gradually through exercise

Mouth and nose

• Reduced ability to taste and smell
• Dry mouth
• Receding gums
• Nose lengthens and enlarges
• Schedule regular dental checkups; brush and floss twice a day

Muscles and body fat

• Muscle mass, strength, stamina and flexibility decrease
• Percentage of body fat increases, fat distribution changes
• Diet and exercise can minimize effects

Skin

• Skin loses underlying fat, becomes thinner, drier, less elastic, more wrinkled
• Reduced sensitivity to pain, pressure, temperature
• Number of sweat glands and blood vessels decreases, making the body less able to cool itself
• Increased risk of heat-related disorders
• Skin bruises more easily, heals more slowly
• Less protection against ultraviolet radiation; age spots
• Use sunscreen, mild soap, moisturizers

Sleep

• Sleep becomes fragmented
• It may take longer to fall asleep, and seniors sleep more lightly, awakening more in the night
• Don’t eat, drink or exercise within two to three hours before bedtime
• Follow a regular bedtime routine