Ageing comes with numerous body changes, and these affect your appearance and body functions. Some of the problems resulting from body changes are ear loss, blindness, wrinkles, weight gain, and sore feet. To deal with all these issues, you’ll need regular hospital check-ups.
Luckily, most health facilities are now installing care planning software to ease the caregiving process. It monitors, tracks progress and vital data, and improves efficiency resulting in improved health.
Here are the physical changes associated with ageing:
Eyes
You may suffer from dry eyes, glaucoma, presbyopia, cataracts, and macular degeneration as you age. You may also experience weakened eye vision and may require glasses to read your favourite book.
Gums and teeth
Older people are susceptible to various health conditions, and these can affect their oral health. These are, for instance, diabetes and heart disease, making it critical to have regular dental check-ups. As you age, you’ll notice several changes in your oral health. Things like dry mouth, gum disease, sensitive teeth, and tooth decay are synonymous with ageing. To improve your oral health, brush, and floss regularly, and avoid smoking; it raises your risk of tooth loss and oral cancer.
Skin and hair
With age, your skin may become dryer, thinner, and itchy. It’s also more sensitive and prone to injuries and bruises. Your hair grows at a slower pace, becomes brittle, and turns grey. Take good care of your skin by washing using mild cleansers. Also, take warm showers, moisturize, and opt for cotton clothing. Avoid smoking, and alcohol, and wear sunscreen to guard yourself against the harmful effects of UV rays.
Feet
Your feet change as you age! Due to diminished collagen production, your soles might have less cushioning, leading to sores and cons when you walk. You’re also likely to develop hammertoes if you used to wear improper shoes when younger. Wear comfortable footwear with excellent arch support and consult your doctor about your foot health.
Bones and joints
Your bones become weaker as you age, making you prone to fractures. The condition is known as osteoporosis, and mostly affects the hips, wrists, hips, and spine. Other risk factors for this condition are; smoking, low calcium intake, hormonal changes, excessive alcohol intake, low levels of vitamin D, and more.
Kidneys
As you age, your kidney cells shrink and decrease in size. The organ becomes less effective in eliminating waste from your bloodstream, and chronic infections like diabetes worsen this further. Due to various health conditions, and hormonal changes, you may also suffer from urinary incontinence.
Ears
Hearing problems are prevalent among the elderly. In most cases, you’ll have to ask someone to repeat themselves. You might also have difficulties hearing while in a busy place. If you notice such symptoms, talk to your doctor to ascertain the causes and possible treatment options.
Weight changes
As you get older, you’re unlikely to engage in strenuous or physical activity. By not exercising, your body slows down metabolism, making it unable to burn extra calories. These calories get stored as fat, and this causes weight gain.
Heart
Our heart pumps throughout the day and night. As you age, your blood vessels become less elastic, and fatty deposits start building up in your artery walls. This way, your heart is forced to work harder to disseminate blood to all your body parts, causing hypertension.
Final thoughts
Ageing comes with numerous physical and emotional changes. These may affect your quality of life, making you likely to need care from others. You also become prone to chronic infections, which can negatively impact your overall health. To deal with these changes, consult your doctor every time you feel unwell and have regular checkups.
John Wayne did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
