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Wonder what's considered a normal part of the aging process? Here's what to expect as you get older — and what to do about it. By Mayo Clinic StaffYou know that aging will likely cause wrinkles and gray hair. But do you know how aging will affect your teeth, heart and sexuality? Find out what changes to expect as you continue aging — and how to promote good health at any age. Your cardiovascular systemWhat's happeningThe most common change in the cardiovascular system is stiffening of the blood vessels and arteries, causing your heart to work harder to pump blood through them. The heart muscles change to adjust to the increased workload. Your heart rate at rest will stay about the same, but it won't increase during activities as much as it used to. These changes increase the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) and other cardiovascular problems. What you can doTo promote heart health:
Your bones, joints and musclesWhat's happeningWith age, bones tend to shrink in size and density, weakening them and making them more susceptible to fracture. You might even become a bit shorter. Muscles generally lose strength, endurance and flexibility — factors that can affect your coordination, stability and balance. What you can doTo promote bone, joint and muscle health:
Your digestive systemWhat's happeningAge-related structural changes in the large intestine can result in more constipation in older adults. Other contributing factors include a lack of exercise, not drinking enough fluids and a low-fiber diet. Medications, such as diuretics and iron supplements, and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, also might contribute to constipation. What you can doTo prevent constipation:
Your bladder and urinary tractWhat's happeningYour bladder may become less elastic as you age, resulting in the need to urinate more often. Weakening of bladder muscles and pelvic floor muscles may make it difficult for you to empty your bladder completely or cause you to lose bladder control (urinary incontinence). In men, an enlarged or inflamed prostate also can cause difficult emptying the bladder and incontinence. Other factors that contribute to incontinence include being overweight, nerve damage from diabetes, certain medications, and caffeine or alcohol consumption. What you can doTo promote bladder and urinary tract health:
Your memory and thinking skillsWhat's happeningYour brain undergoes changes as you age that may have minor effects on your memory or thinking skills. For example, healthy older adults might forget familiar names or words, or they may find it more difficult to multitask. What you can doYou can promote cognitive health by taking the following steps:
If you're concerned about memory loss or other changes in your thinking skills, talk to your doctor. Your eyes and earsWhat's happeningWith age, you might have difficulty focusing on objects that are close up. You might become more sensitive to glare and have trouble adapting to different levels of light. Aging also can affect your eye's lens, causing clouded vision (cataracts). Your hearing also might diminish. You might have difficulty hearing high frequencies or following a conversation in a crowded room. What you can doTo promote eye and ear health:
Your teethWhat's happeningYour gums might pull back from your teeth. Certain medications, such as those that treat allergies, asthma, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, also can cause dry mouth. As a result, your teeth and gums might become slightly more vulnerable to decay and infection. What you can doTo promote oral health:
Your skinWhat's happeningWith age, your skin thins and becomes less elastic and more fragile, and fatty tissue just below the skin decreases. You might notice that you bruise more easily. Decreased production of natural oils might make your skin drier. Wrinkles, age spots and small growths called skin tags are more common. What you can doTo promote healthy skin:
Your weightWhat's happeningHow your body burns calories (metabolism) slows down as you age. If you decrease activities as you age, but continue to eat the same as usual, you'll gain weight. To maintain a healthy weight, stay active and eat healthy. What you can doTo maintain a healthy weight:
Your sexualityWhat's happeningWith age, sexual needs and performance might change. Illness or medication might affect your ability to enjoy sex. For women, vaginal dryness can make sex uncomfortable. For men, impotence might become a concern. It might take longer to get an erection, and erections might not be as firm as they used to be. What you can doTo promote your sexual health:
You can't stop the aging process, but you can make choices that improve your ability to maintain an active life, to do the things you enjoy, and to spend time with loved ones. Sign
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. Which physical changes are characteristic of middle adulthood?Normal Physiological Changes in Middle Adulthood. There are a few primary biological physical changes in midlife. There are changes in vision, hearing, more joint pain, and weight gain (Lachman, 2004).
Which of the following is most typical of the vision related issues faced by middle age persons?As you age, the sharpness of your vision (visual acuity) gradually declines. The most common problem is difficulty focusing the eyes on close-up objects. This condition is called presbyopia. Reading glasses, bifocal glasses, or contact lenses can help correct presbyopia.
What is the most frequent cause of death in middle adulthood?In middle and late adulthood cancer and heart disease become the leading killers.
Which of the following are among the more visible and obvious signs of aging?Information. Skin changes are among the most visible signs of aging. Evidence of increasing age includes wrinkles and sagging skin. Whitening or graying of the hair is another obvious sign of aging.
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