How the Body Changes with Age

Aging is an inevitable component of life. Young children often cannot wait until they get older because of the freedoms that seemingly come with being more mature. On the other hand, adults usually wish they were young again. Time waits for no person, and with aging comes many changes, many of which manifest physically.
The following are some components of healthy aging that go beyond graying hair and wrinkling skin.
Bones, joints, and muscles
According to the Mayo Clinic, with age, bones may become thinner and more fragile. Joints will lose their flexibility, while muscles lose mass and strength, endurance, and flexibility. These changes may be accompanied by a loss of stability that can result in balance issues or falls. It’s common for the body frame to shrink, and a person may lose a few inches in height.
A doctor may suggest a bone-density test or supplementation with calcium and vitamin D to keep bones as strong as possible. Physical activity that includes strength training can help maintain strong and flexible muscles.
Body fat
As muscle mass diminishes, body fat can increase. The Merck Manual indicates that, by age 75, the percentage of body fat typically doubles compared with what it was during young adulthood—the distribution of fat changes, which can alter the shape of the torso.
Heart
Organs in the body also age, and cells begin to die off, making those organs work less efficiently. The heart is one such organ that changes with age. It pumps more than 2.5 million beats during one’s lifetime. As people age, their blood vessels lose elasticity, and the heart must work harder to circulate blood throughout the body, according to Johnson Memorial Health. Exercise can help keep the heart as strong as possible.
Urinary tract and kidneys
As a person ages, their kidneys become smaller, which may result in reduced urine filtration efficiency. Urinary incontinence may occur due to hormonal changes or because of an enlarged prostate. Furthermore, the bladder may become less elastic, resulting in a greater urge to urinate more frequently.
Memory and thinking
Older adults experience changes to the brain as they age. Minor effects on memory or thinking skills are common and typically not cause for concern. Staying mentally active through reading, playing word games, and engaging in hobbies can be beneficial. Following a routine and making lists (as multi-tasking may become challenging) are some additional ways to address memory issues.
These are just a few of the changes that can occur with aging. Generally speaking, exercising, using the brain, and adhering to a balanced, healthy diet can help keep the body functioning well into one’s golden years.