10 Most Common Aging Problems

Although aging begins and progresses at different levels in each individual, we all experience some common problems due to the aging process. Men may experience aging a bit differently, and at a different pace, than women due to the differences in hormonal changes that each gender experiences.

Some of the common problems are discussed below and include vision loss, hearing loss and loss of muscle integrity.

1. Slow Metabolism

Studies have shown that the body’s metabolism begins to decrease at the age of 40. Aging does have an affect on metabolism, which means that exercise is also important as we age. People who have more lean muscle mass, at any age, are more likely to burn more fat. But as we age, our metabolism declines and our muscle mass decreases. The problem is increased because most people also decrease their overall activity level, which makes the metabolism become less effective. Weight gain may occur due to less exercise and a slower metabolism.

2. Reduced Muscle Strength

As muscle strength is reduced, bones begin to shrink and lose density. The aging process also accelerates the loss of tendon and joint strength which attributes to reduced flexibility. The loss of muscle mass results in decreased muscle strength and overall endurance. Muscle is usually replaced with fat, which leads to even more health problems. Excess fat is a huge contributor in heart conditions.

3. Heart Problems

Throughout the aging process, the muscles of the heart become less efficient. The blood vessels also lose elasticity and the vessels become more narrow. Some individuals experience hypertension due to this. Because the arteries become more narrow, the heart has more strain put on it and it has to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. Heart problems increase when individuals become less active as well, since the heart is a muscle that needs to be strengthened with appropriate exercise.

4. Urinary Tract Problems

Another common problem that comes with age for both men and women is difficulty with the urinary tract system. The kidney’s become less efficient as we age and certain health problems can worsen the condition, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 10 individuals, aged 65 or older, may experience a loss of bladder control. This condition is also known as urinary incontinence. This affliction can occur in men due to an enlarged prostate. On average, women are more prone to incontinence than men. One reason for this is that after menopause, the muscles around the opening of the bladder become weakened. Pelvic muscles also become weakened in women as they age, which has a direct impact on bladder control.

5. Vision Loss

Many changes occur in the eyes as the aging process progresses, including the thinning of the retina. Eyes also become less able to produce tears. Vision loss may become apparent as early as 40 for some, especially those who are already predisposed to vision problems. One common issue in the elderly is the decreased ability to drive at night because the eyes become more sensitive to glaring light. Extreme vision problems can also occur such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

6. Hearing Loss

This particular condition lands itself as one of the most common aging problems, particularly noticeable in those who are 45 and older. People who experience hearing loss may have difficulty with interpreting noises that are high frequency. The sensory hairs in the ear canal may have been damaged by loud noises and the walls in the canal thicken which attributes to hearing loss. The loss of hearing is thought to occur in 1/3 of Americans age 60 and up. Another ½ of Americans age 85 and up have even more significant hearing loss.

7. Memory Loss

There are varying causes for the loss of memory retention and some of it does have to do with aging. As we age, we continue to lose some brain cells. Minimal memory loss and forgetfulness can be a normal consequence of the aging process, but severe memory loss can be a sign of further problems in the brain.

8. Skin Health

Wrinkles are definitely considered to be a sign of aging. The skin does lose elasticity and thickness. As we age, we often bruise more easily. Oil production by the skin is also reduced which leads to dry skin and more wrinkles. Nail growth even slows down by about half. One reason that elderly people are more prone to heat exhaustion is because perspiration slows down, which increases the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Age spots can also occur as we age. The rate at which the skin ages depends largely on how much skin exposure the individual has experienced and how well hydrated they are and have been throughout the years.

9. Sexual Health

Most individuals notice some type of change in their sexual vitality as they age. For women, they may notice dryness and other concerns. Men may experience impotence. The varying degrees of this depend on the person and their overall state of health. Medications and other conditions can also impact sexual health.

10. Digestion

As we age, the digestive system starts to slow down. The stomach stops producing as much hydrochloric acid and enzyme levels also decrease. The aging process may bring with it signs of digestive problems including constipation and poor assimilation. It may be important for some to add digestive enzymes to their daily regime to help their digestive system digest and assimilate food.

Because of our genetics, we may be more prone to certain age-related problems. If you experience a sudden health change, it would be best to consult with your doctor to rule-out any potential problems. Not all issues are age-related, which is why it is important to get regular checkups.

There are also certain steps that you can take to help your body cope with the aging process, including a balanced diet with plenty of water.

We discuss more ways to cope with aging in The Secret to Staying Young.