9 Things to Never Ignore About Your Aging Body

As we gracefully age, it becomes increasingly important to pay attention to our bodies and prioritize our health and well-being. While it's common for certain changes to occur as we grow older, it's essential not to ignore them. By staying vigilant and proactive, we can address potential health issues before they escalate. In this article, we will discuss five crucial aspects of our aging bodies that should never be overlooked, shedding light on the importance of early detection and prevention.

As we age, our eyes undergo natural changes, such as presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects) and a higher risk of developing conditions like cataracts and glaucoma. Ignoring these vision changes can lead to reduced visual acuity and a higher likelihood of accidents, says the American Optometric Association. Regular eye examinations are crucial for maintaining eye health and detecting any potential issues early on. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT NOW: Make it a habit to have an eye exam every one to two years, or as recommended by your eye care professional. Regular eye exams can help detect vision changes and eye conditions early on. If you experience any difficulties focusing on close objects or notice changes in your vision, seek professional advice promptly.

Aging is often associated with a gradual loss of bone density, leading to conditions like osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures. Ignoring bone health can have severe consequences. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, along with weight-bearing exercises, can help maintain bone density, says the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation. Regular screenings, such as bone mineral density tests, are essential to assess bone health and identify potential concerns.

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT NOW: Incorporate calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods into your diet. Sun exposure can help your body produce vitamin D, but if you have limited sun exposure, consider taking a vitamin D supplement after consulting with your healthcare provider. Additionally, include weight-bearing exercises such as walking, dancing, or strength training in your routine to help maintain bone density.

As we age, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure and heart disease, increases. Ignoring warning signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats can have life-threatening consequences, says the American Heart Association. Regular check-ups, monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and engaging in heart-healthy habits like exercise and a balanced diet are crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health.

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT NOW: Measure your blood pressure at home using a reliable blood pressure monitor and keep a record of the readings. Consult with your healthcare provider to establish a target range for your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Maintain a balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats, engage in regular physical activity, manage stress levels, and avoid smoking to support cardiovascular health.

Memory lapses and occasional forgetfulness are common as we age. However, significant cognitive decline could be a sign of underlying conditions like Alzheimer's disease or dementia, says the Alzheimer's Association. Ignoring these changes can hinder early intervention and treatment. Staying mentally active, engaging in brain-stimulating activities, and seeking medical advice for persistent memory problems are vital to address cognitive decline effectively. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT NOW: Challenge your brain by participating in activities that stimulate cognitive function, such as reading, puzzles, learning new skills, or playing musical instruments. Engage in social interactions and maintain strong social connections, as they contribute to cognitive well-being. If you experience persistent memory problems or notice significant changes in your cognitive abilities, consult with a healthcare professional for evaluation and guidance.

While mental health is often overlooked in discussions about aging, it is a critical aspect of overall well-being. Ignoring symptoms of anxiety, depression, or social isolation can significantly impact quality of life. Seeking professional help, engaging in social activities, and maintaining a strong support system are essential for maintaining optimal mental health in older age, says the National Institute of Mental Health. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT NOW: If you experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, or social isolation, reach out to a mental health professional for assistance. They can provide guidance, therapy, or recommend appropriate treatment options. Foster relationships with friends, family, or support groups to build a reliable support system that can offer emotional support and companionship during challenging times.

As we age, gradual hearing loss becomes more common, often due to natural changes in the inner ear. Ignoring signs of hearing loss can lead to communication difficulties, social isolation, and a diminished quality of life. Regular hearing screenings and seeking assistance from audiologists can help identify hearing loss early on and explore appropriate solutions, such as hearing aids, says the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT NOW: Be proactive about your hearing health by scheduling regular hearing screenings with a healthcare professional or audiologist. If you notice signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty understanding conversations or turning up the volume on electronic devices, consult with an audiologist who can assess your hearing and recommend appropriate interventions, such as hearing aids or assistive devices.

Our skin undergoes various changes as we age, including dryness, thinning, and an increased susceptibility to wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer. Ignoring these skin changes may delay the detection of potential skin conditions or malignancies. Protecting the skin from sun exposure, moisturizing regularly, and scheduling regular skin examinations with dermatologists are essential for maintaining skin health and preventing serious skin issues, says the American Academy of Dermatology.

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT NOW: Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even during cloudy weather, and limit sun exposure during peak hours. Wear protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses, to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Perform self-examinations of your skin regularly, looking for any changes in moles, spots, or lesions. Additionally, schedule annual skin examinations with a dermatologist to detect potential skin conditions or malignancies early on.

As we grow older, digestive issues like constipation, acid reflux, and decreased nutrient absorption become more prevalent. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to discomfort, malnutrition, and other gastrointestinal conditions. A fiber-rich diet, hydration, regular exercise, and seeking medical advice for persistent digestive problems are crucial for maintaining digestive health and preventing complications, National Institute on Aging.

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT NOW: Include high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your daily meals to promote regular bowel movements and digestive health. Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day. If you experience persistent digestive issues like constipation or acid reflux, consult with a healthcare professional for an evaluation and appropriate management strategies.

Age-related changes in joints and muscles can result in stiffness, reduced mobility, and conditions like arthritis. Ignoring joint pain or muscle weakness may limit daily activities and affect overall mobility,, says the Arthritis Foundation.

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT NOW: Participate in regular physical activities that promote joint flexibility, strength, and mobility, such as walking, swimming, or yoga. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your joints and muscles. Practice good posture while sitting, standing, and lifting objects to minimize the strain on your musculoskeletal system. If you experience persistent joint pain or muscle weakness, consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in musculoskeletal health, such as a rheumatologist or orthopedic specialist.

"Public health researcher Arline Geronimus from the University of Michigan says the traditional belief that the disparities are due to genetics, diet and exercise don't explain data that's accumulated over the years," reports NPR. "Instead, she makes the case that marginalized people suffer nearly constant stress from living with poverty and discrimination, which damages their bodies at the cellular level and leads to increasingly serious health problems over time. Geronimus coined a term for this chronic stress — she calls it 'weathering,' which, she says, 'literally wears down your heart, your arteries, your neuroendocrine systems, … all your body systems so that in effect, you become chronologically old at a young age.'" Her book, Weathering: The Extraordinary Stress of Ordinary Life in an Unjust Society, covers just that.

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT NOW: Educate yourself and others about the concept of "weathering" and its effects on marginalized communities. Support organizations and initiatives that address the root causes of poverty, discrimination, and systemic inequalities. Advocate for policies and reforms that promote social justice, equal opportunities, and access to healthcare, education, and resources for all individuals, regardless of their background.