What to expect as you age

The following can be expected as one ages:

Memory: Memory becomes less efficient. It may take longer to learn new things or to remember familiar words or names.

Teeth: Mouth feels drier and gums recede, leaving teeth more vulnerable to decay and infection. Teeth may darken and become more brittle.

Digestive system: Constipation is more common, due to supplements and medication. Some medical conditions, including diabetes and irritable bowel syndrome may increase the risk of constipation.

Bladder and urinary tract: Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence) can be attributed to obesity, frequent constipation, chronic coughing, menopause for women or an enlarged prostate for men.

Bones, joints and muscles: Bone shrinks in size and density, which weakens them and makes them more susceptible to fracture. Muscle loses strength and flexibility, and you may become less coordinated or have trouble balancing.

Skin: Skin thins, is drier, less elastic and more wrinkled. You bruise more easily, age spots occur and small growths called skin tags are more common.

Eyes and ears: Eyes produce fewer tears, retinas thin and lenses become less clear. Sensitivity to glare; focusing becomes more difficult. Hearing dims, especially at high frequency or in a crowded room.

Heart: Heart muscle becomes less efficient, blood vessels lose elasticity and hardened fatty deposits may form on the inner walls of arteries (atherosclerosis). This can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) and other cardiovascular problems.

Sexuality: Sexual needs, patterns and performance changes. Illness or medication may affect your ability to enjoy sex. For women, vaginal dryness can make sex uncomfortable. For men, impotence may become a concern. It may take longer to get an erection and erections may not be as firm.

Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight is more difficult. Muscle mass decreases, fat increases.

Source: Discovery, Winter 2011

Author : All4women