Health Problems Associated with the Aging Process

Those who were born in the early 1900’s had a life expectancy of about 50 years. Today’s life expectancy becomes 77 due to advances in medicine, nutrition, and science. These are helping more people live longer, healthier lives. Aging people have to take action to keep themselves in the best health possible to maximize this potential,. A healthy diet, exercise, beneficial activities, and regular medical checkup are all vital maintaining elderly health.

When we become older, the heart becomes a less efficient pump, and the blood vessels become less elastic. High blood pressure often develops. Hardened fatty deposits may develop on the walls of the arteries, blocking the flow of blood. It is important to get enough exercise and eat less cholesterol foods.

Nutrition often becomes a problem when we get older because of changes in health and lifestyle. The elderly may lose their appetites because of depression, respond to medication, or find chewing painful. If they live alone, it may seem like too much trouble to plan or cook meals for one, or they may eat constantly to alleviate boredom. Eating disorders in the elderly are rare, but they may develop as a way of handling the stresses of aging and loneliness. If an elderly person is having trouble managing his or her food intake, consider a modified form of elderly care in an independent living facility where nutritious meals are supplied as well as a number of interesting organized activities.

Bones begin to shrink in size and density after the age of 35. They often and more susceptible to fracture and osteoporosis may develop. Weight-bearing exercise and adequate calcium intake are important to prevent this trend from happening. Joints tend to become stiffer, and muscles become weak. It is important to keep using the muscles and flexing the joints to prevent this. Exercise programs, dancing, knitting, and playing musical instruments can help.

Swallowing and the movement of food through the intestines will slow down when we getting older. Secretions from the stomach, liver, pancreas, and small intestine may decrease. Constipation becomes a more common problem, especially if the elderly person has a poor appetite and is not very active. It is important to eat regularly, include adequate fiber, cut the food into smaller pieces and chew carefully before swallowing.

Aging, eyes are less able to produce tears, the retinas thin, and the lenses gradually turn yellow. Pupils become less responsive, making it difficult to adapt to changes in light. The optometrist or primary care physician may suggest some food supplements to help maintain eye health. It is important to have regular eye check-ups.

When they are over 60 and half of all people over 85 have significant hearing loss. The hair cells of the inner ears may have been damaged by loud noises over the years. It may become difficult to hear high frequencies or follow a conversation in a crowded room. Hearing aids can help, but they will never perform as well as young ears did. Wireless headphones can be a big help in listening to TV, radio, or music without disturbing others.