What Are the Signs of Aging?

Wrinkles and other skin blemishes are generally considered to be the signs of aging. One study showed that over 57% of women admitted that they consider wrinkles the first sign of aging. The truth is, signs of aging start well before  wrinkles occur. Our organs begin to age well before we notice certain external factors. Since everyone experiences aging signs at different times, it’s important to note the different signs and occurrences of aging. We cover the most common aging problems in a follow-up article.

Signs of aging that are not visual include less exercise endurance and more muscle and joint pain. Your muscles and tendons also lose flexibility as age progresses. This leads to more muscle aches after exercise and the creaking of joints during different times of the day.

Another common, and sometimes significant, sign of aging in both genders is a heightened sensitivity to noisy environments and other factors which increases our chances of experiencing irritability and anxiety.

It is true that signs of aging include wrinkles, dry skin and age spots. This is because the skin begins to lose its elasticity and thickness as we age. Some people often notice that their skin is easily punctured and easily bruised. Dry skin is another sign of aging, especially if the individual isn’t including healthy fats in their diet, because oil production in the skin decreases.

Those who smoke may notice more wrinkles as they age because smoking damages the skin. Although there are some basic signs of aging that both genders share, there are some differences in how and at what point that men and women experience aging.

There is a condition called Aging Male Syndrome, which is speculated to occur between the ages of 35 and 65. The testosterone hormones begin to decline during those years. Testosterone plays a huge role in the health of men, including the health of their bones and muscles. When testosterone levels decline, the signs of aging began to show in men. Every man may experience this differently but some common signs of aging include: weight gain, trouble sleeping, sexual problems, loss of energy, hair loss, anxiety and memory retention problems.

At the age of 50, a large portion of men begin to experience changes in their vision. Men may also experience hearing loss due to the ear canal narrowing and the membranes thickening which can make it harder to recognize high frequency noises. Most men notice a more significant hearing loss by age 60.

Continue to Signs of Aging: An Overview Part II