Aging: What to Expect as One Ages

Aging: The inevitable evolution of life that began the day we were born. In its early stages, aging is exciting. It is thought of in terms of “growing up” and looking forward to what the future holds. Later in life, as wrinkles and graying hair start to show, our bodies begin to change in ways which are expected, but may be somewhat discouraging as well.
This is the first article in a series that will discuss the aging process and explain changes one may expect from the inside out. One of the most important things to know about aging is what is considered normal in the process, because not every bodily change is related to aging. Knowing what to expect can make it easier and help determine which changes are due to aging versus those that may indicate other conditions.

The effects of aging extend far beyond the surface of the skin and hair color. Aging bodies are unable to perform as younger bodies once could. Muscle tone and bone density are compromised and degrees of vision and hearing loss are likely. Memory function is affected as well as one’s digestive system, weight and sexuality. Because every person is different, the process of aging varies from one person to another. However, there are some aspects of aging that are typical of everyone. Below is a list of some of these characteristics to be covered in upcoming articles:

•Cardiovascular issues and healthy tips
•Advice regarding preserving muscles, joints and bones
•Digestive system, urinary tract and bladder problems and solutions
•Tips for maintaining memory, sight, and hearing
•Changes in hair, teeth and skin and ways to keep them healthy
•Help regarding changes in height, weight gain or loss, and sexuality
Nothing stops the process of aging, but there are steps to take that can allow a person to age gracefully, depending on the healthy choices made. Until the next article in this series is published, we suggest your goal be to make a firm resolution to age gracefully by taking steps towards living a healthier lifestyle. Our challenge is for you to commit to doing a few simple things, with the permission of your physician: Exercise regularly. Take a walk for twenty minutes every day, go to a local gym to work out or take a yoga class a few times a week. Also, add plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet. A nutritious diet is crucial in maintaining overall good health. If you smoke, quit now! It is never too late, and doing so increases your odds of becoming healthier than you are right now, no matter what your age.

Growing older is unavoidable, and it presents some challenges. You can choose to age with grace! Make a promise to yourself to do exactly that, and make changes in your routine that promote a healthy, active older-adult lifestyle. Doing so will positively influence the way the aging process affects you, and you will begin to look forward to the golden years, and enjoy them to the fullest!

References
MayoClinic.com (2010). Aging: what to expect as you get older.
from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aging/HA00040/NSECTIONGROUP=2.
GracefulHealthyAging.com. What to expect as you grow old.
from http://www.gracefulhealthyaging.com/what-to-expect-as-you-grow-old/.
Limon, Connie (2007). Changes you can expect through the aging process. http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Changes_You_Can_Expect_through_the_Aging_Process.html.

This article taken from the Comfort Keepers website, to read more like it click HERE.