4 Ways Aging Affects Your Body Negatively

When you're young, you don't think too much about what it will be like when you're older. But as you age, it becomes more apparent that your body is going through changes, some of which you definitely don't like.

The physical changes are the most apparent but aren’t the only differences you see or feel. You may notice you're tired more often, have aches that weren't there before, or have frequent mood changes.

Although getting older is challenging, there are plenty of ways to manage aches, pains, and other changes through holistic measures. Our Integrated Body and Medicine team offers chiropractic care and other anti-aging treatments to help you feel your best, no matter your age.

How aging affects your body

Aging doesn't happen overnight. It's a process that takes a lifetime and happens in stages. When you're young, you heal faster, you don't typically have chronic pain, and your skin is nearly flawless.

But as you age, your body begins going through changes that affect every aspect of your health and body. Although there are many changes you'll see, four of the prevalent negative aspects of aging include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the many forms of arthritis that affects your joints as you age. It causes degeneration of the cartilage and supporting tissues in the joints, often leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Osteoarthritis can occur at any age, but it's more prevalent in older adults after years of wear-and-tear on the affected joint.

Chronic health problems

Chronic health issues like diabetes and heart disease are more prevalent in older adults. Many factors influence chronic health conditions, such as obesity, genetics, and a sedentary lifestyle. Your diet also plays a role in developing dangerous chronic health issues.

Difficulty with the senses

Many people end up with reading glasses in their 40s or 50s and begin hearing loss at some point. Vision and hearing are just two of the senses that change with age. Neuropathy can make it hard to feel temperature changes, while seasonal allergies and other issues change how well your sense of smell works.

Mental health changes

A lot of older adults don't just have physical health changes; they also deal with mental health issues. Depression and anxiety seem to be prevalent in older adults, partially due to chemical changes in the brain. It's also challenging to deal with chronic health issues that you're not used to as you age.

When will I notice these changes?

Everyone ages differently, based on their lifestyle choices and in part due to genetics. That's why only some 65-year-olds look the same.

It's difficult to predict when you'll start noticing age-related changes, but it could begin as early as your 30s. That's when you see a change in your vision, a wrinkle or two on your skin, or a streak of gray hair.

Other changes take a little longer to develop. Without injury, you may notice arthritis beginning after 50 or 60, while chronic health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes could pop up in your 40s.

Each age-related change may happen at different times in your life. Your hearing and vision may take a lot longer to change than your heart, lungs, and skin.

Managing age-related changes

You can't stop the aging process. Your body changes regardless of what you do. But you can slow it down and keep your body healthy through lifestyle changes and therapies that target your body and mind.

We have a few suggestions if you're already dealing with aches and pains or other age-related changes. At your appointment, we discuss the aging process and how holistic therapies and lifestyle changes are essential in preventing further complications.

We offer chiropractic care to keep your spine aligned, which helps with certain forms of chronic pain, including neck and back discomfort. It also improves blood flow and nervous system function, which combats age-related changes.

Lifestyle changes are essential in managing your health as you age. Eating a nutritious diet full of whole foods and getting regular physical activity are crucial steps for preventing pain and disability.

Taking supplements to give your body the necessary nutrients is vital. We can discuss specific supplements based on your needs. A holistic and natural approach to aging significantly reduces harmful changes without the need for surgery and other invasive measures.

To schedule a consultation with our team, call our office in the greater Highland and Hammond, Indiana, area today or use our handy scheduling tool to request an appointment.