Health issues that come with aging may be specific to you, but some are general health changes expected in your 60s, particularly in your 70s. You can’t avoid these body changes called “pure aging”, though your lifestyle plays a role in how susceptible you are to them. This article identifies health issues that come with aging and lifestyle changes that help mitigate such problems.
Brain
As you get older, part of your brain shrinks. This means you may have issues with remembering names or specific words. Also, it may be more difficult to concentrate on multiple tasks. These may be signs of Alzheimer’s disease which are normal changes with aging. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer but there are medicines to reduce the symptoms.
Lifestyle changes: To control Alzheimer’s disease, play games that challenge your brain such as chess, video games, crosswords, etc. Similarly, on your phone or computer, find games where you can play and interact with other people.
Heart
As you age, the walls of your heart get thicker, while the valves get stiffer restricting efficient blood flow. The heart’s electrical system may start to malfunction, which can cause an irregular heartbeat. The most common problem is artery plaque buildup.
Lifestyle Changes: You can lower your risk of trouble with healthy habits, such as exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and not smoking.
Skin
Surprising health issues that come with aging are skin itchiness and irritation due to dry and thin skin. Age spots and wrinkles are signs of aging, and you may also discover you bruise easily and sweat less.
Lifestyle Changes: Switch to gentler non-perfumed soap. And use moisturizer and sunscreen regularly. You may want to try a humidifier.
Nutrition
The chances are higher that balanced nutrition may be a challenge as you get older. This is because first, since your metabolism slows down with age, you need to cut calories to prevent weight gain. Or, secondly, you may not get hungry or thirsty as you used to.
Lifestyle changes: If you eat less, choose foods that are more nutrient-dense with fewer calories, such as fruits and veggies, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein. You may also need supplements to replace the shortage of vitamins D and B12.
Immune System
Your body’s defenses diminish in your older years, which leaves you more vulnerable to illness. Vaccines don’t work as well as they once did for you. On the plus side, allergies are less severe, and autoimmune disorders are rare at this age.
Lifestyle changes: But because you’re vulnerable to infection and viruses, it’s still important to get shots for flu, pneumonia, and shingles.
Urinary Tract
Your bladder can’t hold as much as it once did, and your muscles that support it have lost some strength. They might also squeeze when you don’t really need to go, which leads to an overactive bladder. All these things can send you to the bathroom more often. A woman in her 70s has trouble with urine leaking. Likewise, prostate issue, which affects many men this age, can cause trouble going, too.
Lifestyle changes: Kegel exercise done often will strengthen your pelvic floor muscle and prevent or control urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor problems. Likewise, you need to manage your fluid and food intake. For instance, cut back or avoid alcohol, caffeine, or acidic foods.
Managing OAB For Better Sleep And Sex
Bones, Joints, and Muscles
Osteoporosis is a bone-thinning disease afflicting about 1 in 4 women, and some men, over 65. Your muscles get weaker, and the tendons get stiffer. As a result, decreases your strength and flexibility. By your 70s, you might lose an inch or two of your height as disks in your back flatten.
Lifestyle changes: Exercise, especially the weight-bearing kind, can help prevent these changes and may even reverse them.
Sleep
There are changes in your sleep patterns as you get older. You spend less time each night in deep sleep and more in lighter phases. Or you find yourself falling asleep and waking earlier. Also, you might wake up more and have trouble going back to sleep. On the whole, insomnia can be a health issue.
Lifestyle changes: You still need 7-8 hours a night despite the changes. So do what you can to keep good sleep habits, and talk to your doctor about any troubles.
Digestive System
Your stomach lining is more fragile, which raises your chances of having ulcers. That’s especially true if you take a lot of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Perhaps the most common problem at this age is constipation. Part of the reason is that your digestive system doesn’t move food through quite as well as before.
Lifestyle Changes: Check your medications and increase your exercise activities. Eat more whole foods grains, veggies, and fruits to enhance bowel movements.
Sexuality
Research submits more sexual activity amongst 70-year-olds than in earlier years though there may be more challenges. For instance, you may have vaginal dryness or erectile dysfunction, including other health issues like body image and stress.
Lifestyle changes: You don’t have to give up on sex. Discuss with your partner about what’s enjoyable. Ask your doctor for help with any medical issues that affect sex.
Eyes
As you get older, your pupils react more slowly to changes in light, some fine details are difficult to pick out, hard to see in dim lighting, and colors less vibrant.
https://www.forbes.com/health/eye-health/how-to-improve-eyesight/
Lifestyle Changes: Nourish your eyes from inside and out: Get regular eye exams, stay physically active, be nutritious conscious, manage your diabetes, watch your BP, stop smoking, and watch your weight.
Ears
About 35% of people ages 65-74 have hearing loss, and about half of those over 75 do. High-pitched sounds are especially hard to make out, and that makes it hard to understand what others are saying. Background noise also can interfere more with your conversations.
Lifestyle changes: Hearing aids, special training, certain medications, and surgery are some of the treatments that can help your hearing. So if you find it harder to hear everyday sounds, talk to your doctor about things that can help.
Steps To Stay Healthy
While you can’t turn back the clock, there are steps to stay healthy in your 60s and 70s. First of all, diet and exercise are important. Equally, monitor your health for problems like cancer and heart disease.
Lifestyle changes: Stay active socially, and challenge yourself mentally. These will help fight mental decline. Likewise consult your doctor about changes in vision, hearing, digestion, and other issues so you can keep blooming with age.
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