Physical Effects of Aging

The following paragraphs consider the physical effects of aging on heart, brain, aging skin, vision, hearing, kidney, teeth, etc. Secrets of Longevity |Long Life, Living longer | Aging Process|Anti Aging Foods |Anti Aging Diet |Anti Aging Vitamins |

Natural Changes with Age: Consequences of Aging (Ageging),

As we age, most of the body's organs perform less efficiently. Our vision and hearing power deteriorate, muscle strength weakens, immune system weakens, skin and blood vessels become less flexible, and there is an overall decline in body performance.

Following changes may occur as we age.

1. Heart
   Heart muscle becomes less efficient.
   Blood vessels become less elastic.
   Fatty deposits may form on the walls of arteries.
   As a result of this, the arteries become stiffer, needing heart to work harder, leading to high blood pressure (hypertension).

2. Brain and nervous system
   The number of neurons in brain decreases.
   Memory becomes less efficient.
   Reflexes become slower.
   Coordination decreases.

3. Bones and joints
   Bones shrink in size, their density reduces and become more susceptible to fracture.
   Muscles, tendons and joints lose flexibility and strength.

4. Digestive system
   Digestion may slow down.
   Constipation.

5. Kidneys, bladder and urinary tract
   Kidneys become less efficient.
   Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence).

6. Eyes
   Eyes produce less tears, retinas thin and lenses gradually become less clear.
   Cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

7. Teeth
   Dry mouth - mouth feels drier and your gums have pulled back.
   Teeth may become more brittle.
   Oral cancer is more common among aged people.

8. Ears
   Hearing loss. Sounds and noise can damage the hair cells of inner ears.
   The walls of auditory canals thin. Eardrums thicken.

9. Aging Skin
   Skin thins and becomes less elastic and more fragile.
   Skin drier and more wrinkles.
   Age spots
   Skin tags.
   Skin cancer possibility.

10. Sleep
    Disturbed sleep
    Waking up several times each night.

11. Weight & metabolism
    Metabolism generally slows down.
    Calories not utilized efficiently and stored as fat.
    Weight gain as level of activity may decrease.

12. Sexuality
    Sexual performance may change.
    Women: vagina walls become less elastic, vaginal dryness.
    Men: may become impotent.

13. Hair
    Grey hair
    Thin hair
    Hair loss

14. Nails
    Nails growth reduces to half.