The Effect of Aging on Various Body Systems and Structures

We all go through aging as we take on the journey that is life. Although many people desire to live long, old age often brings undesirable signs and symptoms. You know that aging will likely cause gray hair and wrinkles, but did you know how it could affect your teeth, heart, and sexuality? The good news is that based on your signs and symptoms, your age management specialist Valhalla, may recommend treatment to help you feel better, look younger, and maintain the highest quality of life.

Read on to discover what changes occur with age and how to promote good health.

Skin

Your skin thins and becomes less elastic and more fragile as you advance in age. You may notice your bruise easily, and your skin is drier due to decreased production of natural oils. Age spots, wrinkles, and skin tags are also common with old age.

Bones, joints, and muscles

Your bones become susceptible to fracture as you age since they tend to shrink in size and density. Your height might even decrease. As for your muscles, they generally lose strength, flexibility, and endurance; these factors can affect your stability, balance, and coordination. Here are what you can do to promote joint, muscle, and bone health.

• Get adequate calcium from dietary sources such as salmon, kale, broccoli, and tofu. Ask your doctor about supplements if you can’t get enough calcium from your diet.
• Exercise everyday
• Avoid drug and substance abuse
• Get adequate amounts of vitamin D

Cardiovascular system

As you age, your blood vessels, including your arteries, stiffen, causing your heart to work harder to pump blood through them. Your heart muscles also change to adjust to the increased workload. At rest, your heart rate stays about the same, but it will not increase during activities as much as it used to. These changes elevate your risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular problems. The good news is that there are several things you can do to promote heart health. They include eating a healthy diet, not smoking, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and making physical activity part of your daily routine.

Teeth

As you age, your gums may pull back from your teeth, increasing your risk of tooth loss. Your mouth can also dry due to medications that treat high blood pressure, allergies, and high cholesterol. Because your teeth and gums become slightly vulnerable to decay and infections, you should brush every day and clean between your teeth using dental floss. You also want to visit your dentist or dental hygienist for regular dental checkups.

Digestive system

As you age, structural changes occur in your large intestine; these can lead to more constipation in older adults. A low-fiber diet, not drinking enough water, and lack of exercise are also contributing factors. You may also experience constipation if you take medications like diuretics and iron supplements or if you have a health problem like diabetes.

To prevent constipation, eat a healthy diet that includes fiber-rich foods like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, exercise regularly, and don’t hold the urge to have a bowel movement.

Consult your doctor at Advanced Surgeons to know how you can benefit from age medicine.