For many people, the idea of aging is scary, as it is often associated with physical and mental decline and an increased risk of chronic disease. However, with the right lifestyle, healthy aging is achievable. It’s important first to understand which symptoms of aging are considered “normal” and which are not.
This article will cover the symptoms of aging that are considered normal and those that aren’t—what do older adults need to be aware of when it comes to their health? If you’re getting older and you’re concerned about your health, continue reading to learn what’s normal and what isn’t.
Regular Check-Ups
Attending regular health checkups with a general practitioner or a nurse practitioner qualified through AGPCNP online programs becomes incredibly important as you age. During a regular check-up, your doctor or nurse will check your height, weight, and blood pressure, as well as listen to your breathing through a stethoscope.
They may also order blood tests or other diagnostic scans to see if anything is awry. Getting regular check-ups, at least once a year, is an important way that you can ensure that qualified professionals monitor your health as you age.
Signs of Aging That Are Normal
Natural changes occur in your body as you age, such as skin damage from sun exposure, loss of muscle tone, definition, and physical strength, loss of some sight and hearing, as well as changes to your sleep patterns, energy levels, and appetite.
While some of these symptoms are normal, sometimes they may be signs of chronic disease or health issues that are worth investigating further with your trusted health professional.
When to Seek Medical Advice
You should definitely seek medical advice if you experience any of the following symptoms or conditions as you get older.
- Extreme fatigue: Feeling extremely fatigued is not normal and could be a sign of a number of illnesses, including cancer, liver disease, or heart disease.
- Urinary incontinence: Although it can be normal as your bladder muscle weakens as you age, if it is persistent, it could indicate conditions such as an enlarged prostate, prostate cancer in men, or symptoms of menopause in women.
- Lumps or bumps on the skin: You should check your skin for major lumps or bumps or any unusual or new blemishes, as these could be signs of melanoma or skin cancer.
- Any loss of appetite: A loss of appetite is not usually a normal sign of aging and could be caused by conditions such as heart failure, dementia, cancer, or liver disease.
- Major memory loss: Things will occasionally slip your mind, but anything that is not normal forgetfulness should be investigated, as it could be a sign of dementia.
- Any major changes in mood or sleep: Drastic changes in your mood and sleep patterns can be signs of depression, anxiety, isolation, or loneliness.
Health Conditions that Come with Aging
Some common conditions in older age include cataracts and refractive errors, hearing loss, osteoarthritis, back and neck pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression, and dementia. As you age, you are more likely to experience several conditions at the same time.
However, with proper medical intervention and treatment, these conditions can be managed with diet modifications, weight loss, exercise, and medication. Diabetes is a very common health condition in older Americans. Over a quarter of older adults are treated for diabetes each year.
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your body is resistant to or doesn’t produce enough of the hormone insulin. Insulin is what your body uses to derive energy from food and then distribute it to your cells. When this doesn’t happen properly, you get high blood sugar, which can lead to complications such as kidney disease, gangrene, heart disease, or blindness.
The chances of having diabetes increase significantly after age 45. Heart disease is also a common health condition in older Americans. It is caused by a buildup of plaque that narrows the arteries leading to the heart.
Narrow or blocked arteries decrease the amount of oxygen-rich blood delivered to the heart, which can cause other health complications like blood clots, angina, or a heart attack. A great way to combat heart disease is to eat well, exercise, reduce stress levels, and quit smoking or vaping.
Falls and Declining Physical Health
Experiencing a fall is much more common as you get older, and the consequences can severely impact your overall quality of life. While muscle atrophy and weakness can occur normally as we age, our bodies should remain fully functional as long as we use and exercise them regularly.
A lifelong commitment to movement or any type of exercise is ideal. For older adults unsure how to incorporate safe movement and exercise into their daily routine, ask their doctor or nurse about exercise regimens they can practice at home. Some safe and gentle exercises may include swimming, gentle yoga, walking, or light weights.
