Your health will go through different changes as you get older. Some may be minor while others are more serious. You need to know what to expect so you can be prepared as well as adapt to these health changes as they gradually develop.
Blood vessels and arteries naturally harden as you get older, contributing to high blood pressure and other problems. You may also experience trouble with your bladder which can require more planning. More fiber will be needed to help keep your digestive system healthy. Vision and hearing are also affected by the aging process along with oral health.
The Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system is composed of your heart, arteries, and blood vessels. It works to pump oxygen and nutrients to your organs so they can function correctly. As you get older, your arteries and blood vessels begin to stiffen. This forces your heart to work harder to pump blood through them.
Fortunately, your heart muscles adapt to meet the increased workload and your resting heart rate will stay about the same. However, it also won’t increase like it did when you were younger. This can increase your risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) as well as other cardiovascular problems.
What to Do
Engage in low-intensity workouts that you enjoy such as walking or swimming. Combine this with a healthy diet to help control your weight. Quit smoking if you’re a smoker since it can speed up the hardening of your arteries and raise your blood pressure. Learn to manage your stress and make sure to get enough sleep.
Click here to learn about the leading cause of death for people aged 1 to 44!
The Bladder
Your bladder is more elastic when you’re younger, helping you go without using the bathroom for longer. As you get older, it begins to lose its elasticity along with the bladder muscles and pelvic floor becoming weaker. This can result in more frequent trips to the bathroom, the inability to empty your bladder completely, and even loss of bladder control (bladder incontinence).
Bladder incontinence can also be caused by:
- Consuming alcohol or caffeine
- Nerve damage from diabetes
- Taking certain medications
- Being overweight
Men can also experience bladder incontinence due to an inflamed or enlarged prostate.
What to Do
Create a schedule for trips to the bathroom and try extending the amount of time between them. You can also use kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Cut out bladder irritants from your diet such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, caffeine, and acidic foods. Eating more fiber can help improve constipation which can make incontinence worse.
The Digestive System
Your large intestine experiences structural changes as you get older. This can cause older adults to experience constipation more frequently than when they were younger. However, digestive issues can also be a result of other health problems, medications, and lifestyle choices.
Digestive problems not related to aging include:
- Not drinking enough water
- Not consuming enough fiber
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Diuretics and iron supplements
- Certain medical conditions such as diabetes
Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing more frequent constipation as you get older. They will be able to identify the cause and get you on a treatment plan to reduce its effects.
What to Do
Make sure to use the bathroom whenever you have the urge since holding it in can cause constipation. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for their natural fiber and reduce fatty meats, dairy, and sweets. You should also make sure to drink plenty of water as well as include physical activity in your daily routine.
For tips on how to prepare for surgery, click here!
Vision & Hearing
Vision and hearing are two of the most well-known health changes that people experience as they get older. You may notice that it’s harder to see objects that are close up. People also notice an increased sensitivity to glare as well as difficulty adapting to changing levels of light. The lens of your eye also begins to harden resulting in cloudy vision (cataracts).
Your sense of hearing can also diminish as you age. It can become more difficult to hear higher frequencies or pick up on conversations in noisy environments. This can make others sound like they are mumbling or even slurring their words and make it harder to hear women’s voices. Some sounds can even seem too loud as you get older.
What to Do
Stay on top of your eye health with regular comprehensive eye exams. You can also talk to your doctor about hearing aids and other devices to improve your sense of hearing. Take precautionary measures by wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats when outside and earplugs in loud environments.
Oral Health
Years of wear and tear on your teeth and gums already have an impact on your oral health. As you age, you may notice that your gums start to pull back from your teeth. This is caused by periodontal disease and it affects nearly 50% of Americans age 30+. Dry mouth can also become more prevalent, leaving you more susceptible to tooth decay and infections.
One common cause of dry mouth in older adults is medications. They can be used to treat:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
Talk to your doctor about the side effects of any medications you are taking. They will be able to let you know if they include dry mouth so you can take steps to avoid it.
What to Do
Brushing and flossing are pivotal for maintaining good oral health. Make sure that you are brushing for two minutes twice per day and flossing at least once a day after eating. You should also visit your dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups. They will be able to spot problems and provide treatment before they have a chance to become major issues.
Evansville Surgical Associates is a healthcare leader in Evansville, IN, and the tri-state area. For general questions about surgery or to make an appointment, contact us today!
Your arteries and blood vessels harden naturally as you get older which can lead to high blood pressure. Changes in your bladder will require more planning but kegel exercises may help. Adding more fiber and water to your diet can help with digestive issues. Your vision and hearing will also change due to aging, as well as your oral health.
Evansville Surgical Associates has been providing comprehensive and compassionate surgical care for over 50 years. Call us at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231. We are available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm if you would like to schedule an appointment.
