The oldest documented living person was 122 years old. That is quite a life expectancy! Many people are living longer thanks to better health, medications and living conditions. At the turn of the century, the average life expectancy was around 55 years of age. My, how society has improved - with age of course!
You should expect that your body is going to show those signs of aging. However, you don't have to take them lying down. You can take as many preventative measures as possible to greatly slow the process. Many older adults are successful. The key to success is a realistic view of old age, a healthy diet and of course, safe exercise for endurance, flexibility, strength and weight.
Brain power
Many older adults worry most about losing their minds to Alzheimer's or dementia. As long as you eat healthy, exercise and challenge your brain frequently, you should be able to avoid this problem. Keep in mind that some forgetfulness is natural though!
The thinning process
As you age, there are quite a few things on and in your body that tend to thin. Your hair gets thinner as well as your skin. You lose a bit of elasticity as a result. Repeated sun block and moisturizers help a lot.
Your retina thins out affecting vision and your auditory canal thins affecting your hearing. Some blood vessels like capillaries thin, which along with thinner skin, makes you more prone to bruising.
Slowing down
Many body processes start to slow down. You digestion slows which may be the reason why you get heartburn or indigestion. In addition, your metabolism slows which means gaining weight, unless you keep up with exercise to burn calories.
Your joints, muscles and bones contribute to the slowing down process. Bones become less dense and weaker while your joints get stiffer and your muscles weaker. This slows down reflexes. Only through exercise can you greatly slow down this slow body downturn.
Other body issues
Some older adults may experience incontinence because bladder muscles weaken. Sex may be a problem thanks to menopause or erectile dysfunction. Sleep becomes disrupted and you may not get as much as you need to rejuvenate your body and mind. Heart, kidneys and bladder also work less efficiently so you have to compensate with better diet and exercise.
All in all, growing older seems like a raw deal all around. This doesn't have to be true however. Many older adults have a great time in retirement and love being older and wiser. A lifetime a good habits will buy you a better lifestyle in retirement. Just remember that it is never too late to adopt healthier habits like a better diet and exercise.
