Getting older is a natural part of life. How you will feel as you get older depends on many things, including what health problems run in your family and the lifestyle choices you make. If you take good care of your body and learn positive ways to deal with stress now, you can slow down or even prevent problems that often come with getting older.
It's never too early or too late to change bad habits and start good ones. No matter when you start, a healthy lifestyle can make a difference in how you feel and what you can do.
The changes you'll experience as you get older depend on a number of factors. One is your family history (genetics). If your family members have diseases or ongoing (chronic) health problems, like high blood pressure or diabetes, then you may have a greater chance of having those problems yourself. But just because your risk is higher, it doesn’t mean you will definitely have the same problems. In fact, the lifestyle choices you make can help reduce your chances of developing conditions that run in your family. And even if you do develop a family condition, choosing to be physically active, to eat right, and to learn how to deal with stress can keep the condition from impacting your ability to enjoy your golden years.
Changes as you get older are usually gradual. Certain physical changes are common. Your metabolism (how fast your body can burn calories) slows over time, which means your body needs fewer calories than when you were younger. Also, most people develop a need for reading glasses between ages 40 and 50, and many have some hearing loss later in life. Starting in your 50s, bone aging increases. Also starting around age 50, you may notice changes in sexual function — it's normal to have a slower sexual response.
Most vital organs gradually become less efficient with age. The kidneys are less efficient and the heart can start to show signs of wear and tear caused by years of eating the wrong foods and not exercising. As you get older, it's important to be physically active, drink plenty of water, and eat the right foods. Doing these things will help your body work well for a longer period of time.
For more information and resources on healthy aging, visit http://nihseniorhealth.gov/alpha.html.
Being physically active is one of the most important things you can do for your health at any age. Physical activity keeps your body strong and gives you a sense of well-being. People who stay active are less likely to get depressed. Physical activity can include anything from walking to gardening to working out at the gym. The important thing is to be active almost every day. No matter what your age or condition, there is a type of physical activity that's right for you. Always ask your health care provider whether it's safe for you to start a physical activity program, especially if you're over 50 and aren't used to energetic activity.
Protect or improve your emotional health by staying in touch with friends, family, and the community. People who feel connected to others are more likely to thrive than those who do not. Find ways to be with people by joining a club, volunteering your time or joining an online social network. Get involved with a cause you believe in or something that interests you. And try to keep stress at a minimum. You can take charge of how stress affects you by taking 20 minutes a day to just relax.
Do this through learning, doing crossword puzzles, playing cards or strategy games. Depression can be a serious problem for older adults, too. If you think you may be depressed, seek help — antidepressant medicine and counseling can help treat depression.
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