Photo by BBH Singapore on Unsplash
Getting old can be scary and stressful for some people. It often causes us to struggle to adapt to our new role in society. We often go through health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes that could have been avoided if we had taken better care of ourselves when we were younger. However, we tend to ignore signs of aging when they pop up, which could evolve into something serious later down the line. Although we now have a significant aging population of 703 million, we also have that many because of access to healthcare and a better quality of life. So, when we experience a sign of aging, it’s best not to ignore it. Here are five signs of aging you shouldn’t ignore:
Heart Problems
Our heart is literally the most important organ that keeps us alive. It prevents blood from pooling in our lungs, and it circulates oxygen to all of our tissues. Unfortunately, blood vessel elasticity decreases as you age, and fat cells build up against the artery walls, making it harder for the heart to circulate blood. This can lead to high blood pressure & atherosclerosis, which could potentially lead to other serious health problems. However, in many cases, heart disease and other heat-related illnesses can be prevented with simple preventative measures, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking.
Kidney and Urinary Issues
Urinary incontinence is a common problem in older adults. It can affect up to 25 percent of those over 65 years old, and it is almost always an issue that women experience. Although men are more likely to get kidney and urinary issues, women are most at risk for urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence can cause difficulty with mobility (due to the fear of leaks) and can negatively affect the quality of life for some older adults. Most people who experience urinary incontinence will need to wear incontinence pads to aid with their issues, which can aid them in their day-to-day life.
Digestive Issues
Digestive issues can be a major problem as we age, but it doesn’t have to be. We must not let digest problems go ignored any longer. Constipation remains one of the most prevalent digestive problems among older adults. It causes discomfort and embarrassment for people as they often feel embarrassed to admit it due to the shame associated with bowel movements. However, with the proper care and knowledge, digestive issues can improve and lead to a happier life.
Hearing Loss
Unfortunately, hearing problems tend to worsen as we age – many people suffer from some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss can happen when you are exposed to certain environmental factors like loud noise and lack of sleep. It can also occur due to genetic disorders that have no cure. Those who experience hearing loss are asked to visit the audiologist every two years to keep an eye on their hearing. If it worsens, they will need to get a hearing aid.
Vision Problems
Aging often has side effects like vision changes. As we age, our eyes may be stiffer and have a more challenging time seeing objects closer. We may also have a harder time seeing in dim lighting, and colors may appear differently. In addition to this, our eyes may no longer function as well as they used to. Some of the most common vision problems include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and night blindness.
While the body will change as we grow older, it’s important that you don’t ignore the signs of aging. Instead, you should get a physical checkup to see if there are any mitigating factors and see what type of care best fits your needs.
