10 Changes To Expect As You Start Getting Older

As you age, your body and mind change in ways that you may not expect. You may not feel as strong or as energetic as you used to. Your skin may become more dry and thin, and you may bruise more easily. You may also find it harder to think clearly or remember things.

These changes are a normal part of aging. But they can also be signs of more serious health problems. If you're having trouble with any of these things, talk to your doctor. Whether you are living on your own, with family, or are considering looking at retirement homes, make sure you are aware of what changes to expect.

Here are 10 things to consider as you start getting older:

1. Your risk for disease increases as you age.

Your risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other diseases goes up as you get older. You can lower your risk by not smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise. You can start with walking as a basic form of exercise, and then gradually move on to other activities like swimming or biking.

2. Your bones get weaker as you age.

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes your bones to become weak and break easily. You're more likely to develop osteoporosis if you're a woman, have a family history of the disease, are thin, or have low bone density. You can help prevent osteoporosis by getting enough calcium and vitamin D, exercising, and not smoking.

3. Your joints may ache as you age.

Joint pain is common as you get older. It can be caused by arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, or other conditions. You can relieve joint pain with over-the-counter medicines, heat or cold therapy, and exercise. Swimming is a great form of exercise for joint pain because it's easy on the joints.

4. Your skin changes as you age.

Your skin gets thinner, drier, and less elastic as you age. This can make it more susceptible to cuts, bruises, and other injuries. It's important to protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen and avoiding tanning beds. You should also see a dermatologist if you have any unusual changes in your skin.

5. Your sense of smell may change as you age.

You may lose some of your sense of smell as you age. This can make it hard to enjoy food or notice dangerous odors, like smoke or gas leaks. A solution might be to try different foods or to cook with more spices. You should also be sure to have your eyesight and hearing checked regularly.

6. Your sense of taste may change as you age.

Your sense of taste may also change as you age. You may find that foods don't taste as good as they used to. This can make it hard to get the nutrients you need from your food. A nutritional shake or supplements may help you get the nutrients you need if you're having trouble eating solid foods.

7. You may lose some of your hearing as you age.

Hearing loss is common in older adults. It can make it hard to hear people talking, watch television, or listen to music. If you think you're losing your hearing, talk to your doctor or audiologist.

8. Your eyesight may change as you age.

You may have trouble seeing things that are far away or close up as you age. You may also have trouble seeing at night. These changes can make it hard to drive, read, or do other activities you enjoy. If you're having problems with your eyesight, talk to your doctor.

9. You may feel more alone as you age.

As you age, you may lose friends and family members. You may also move away from your community or stop working. These changes can make you feel isolated and lonely. To stay connected, join a club or group, volunteer, or take classes. You can also stay in touch with friends and family by phone, email, and social media.

10. Your mental health may change as you age.

Anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems are common in older adults. If you're feeling sad, anxious, or down, talk to your doctor. There are many treatments that can help you feel better.

There you have it

These are just a few of the things to consider as you start getting older. To stay healthy and active, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and see your doctor for regular checkups.