2023-08-15 18:00:00
Of course, you know that aging has consequences for your skin, your hair, your vision, your hearing. Aging also affects your digestive and urinary systems, heart, blood vessels, brain, bones, muscles and joints.
With age, in fact, the density of the bones decreases, which weakens them. The risk of fracture is very high – yet falls in people over 65 are frequent. Moreover, muscle strength, endurance and flexibility are also reduced, while some age-related diseases (notably osteoarthritis) contribute to joint stiffness and difficulty of movement. These are all factors that have an impact on coordination, stability and balance and therefore increase the risk of falls.
Effects of aging on the body: on the digestive and urinary side
Structural changes in the colon, caused by aging, can lead to chronic constipation in the elderly. Other factors contribute to these digestive disorders: physical inactivity, a tendency to not get enough hydration and a diet low in fiber. Certain medications, including diuretics and iron supplements, and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can also aggravate constipation. As for the excretory system, the bladder loses elasticity with age: this requires more frequent urination. In addition, it becomes difficult to empty the bladder completely or to control it completely because of weakening of the bladder muscles and pelvic floor, which can lead to urinary incontinence. In men, an enlarged or inflamed prostate can interfere with complete emptying of the bladder and cause incontinence as well. In addition, this urinary incontinence can be favored by overweight, nerve damage caused by diabetes, certain treatments and the consumption of caffeine or alcohol.
Effects of aging on the body: heart and brain
At the level of the cardiovascular system, stiffening of blood vessels and arteries forces the heart to work harder. The cardiac muscles adapt to this work overload: if the resting heart rate does not change enormously, on the other hand, it does not increase as much during the effort. These cardiovascular changes increase the risk of high blood pressure. At the cerebral level, memory or thinking skills also change. Healthy seniors may forget familiar names or words, or find it difficult to complete a simple task.
What can be done to prevent diseases from affecting the body?
Some simple gestures can prevent the disease. On the other hand, some bad habits can lead straight to the doctor. This is the case with a diet high in cholesterol. As you know, cholesterol is certainly recommended, but at a certain amount in the body. And, since the liver produces it, you should only consume a very small amount. To this end, in the absence of a risk factor, the normal LDL cholesterol level is less than 1.6 g/l. Conversely, if the subject presents health risks, the cholesterol level should be 1.3 g/l. With these required quantities, you should regularly monitor your diet. Besides cholesterol, you need to watch your blood sugar. Finally, we recommend that you washing hands regularly with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. And, use a clean towel to wipe your hands.
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⋙ The Mediterranean diet improves intestinal health and helps to age better
⋙ What makes us age?
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