The process of physiologic or normal aging begins from the moment we are born. It is a natural and gradual process that affects different    people in different ways. Not everyone ages at the same rate or in the same manner. Some people at 80 are more active than others at 50.  These information were taken from Your Health Guide, the Family Health Guide.

As more research on the process of aging is done, extrinsic factors (lifestyle, etc) more than genetic factors have been shown to accelerate  the aging process.

Even different parts of the body may age at different rates. You may have white hair and wrinkles but still be able to do an hour of simple  exercise every morning.

The Aging Process

With time, most of us can expect some changes to occur. The earliest begin to appear in the 40s. Fine wrinkles or “laugh lines”, greying or thinning hair and growing stiffness in the joints are common. Many people also notice they have to hold things farther away from their faces to see them clearly – the start of far-sightedness.

By the 50s, skin starts to lose its elasticity and may develop small brown spots. Muscular strength declines and bones can become thin and brittle. Women reach their menopause and stop menstruating. Men are still capable of fathering children at this age but it may take them longer to do so.

As one reaches the 70s, the senses often begin to change. Eyesight becomes less sharp and hearing less acute. Taste and smell may also be affected, and this may lead to marginal malnutrition.

Other organs slow down as well. Digestion takes longer and the heart may not work as efficiently. Arteries become more stiff. One does not react so quickly in an emergency.

In the 80s, bladder control may be more difficult and memory, particularly of recent events, may be poorer.

Despite what some people think, intelligence does not naturally deteriorate with age. If it does, it is usually caused by disease. There may be some difficulty with abstract reasoning but problem solving abilities based on judgment and experience actually improve. Dementia (general mental deterioration) is rarer in older people who have a higher educational attainment and who continue to stimulate their mind.

Here are some tips on coping with changes and advice on how to be active and stay healthy in your golden years.

Skin

* Use moisturizers like lanolin after bathing to prevent dry skin and decrease wrinkling.

* Prevent photo-aging of the skin by avoiding going out in the noonday sun; if you can’t, use an umbrella or some sunblock lotion.

* Wear rubber gloves while washing dishes and avoid using strong detergents.

Hair

* Use a mild shampoo every 3 to 4 days.

* Wash your hair in cold or lukewarm water. Hot water loosens the hair roots.

Eyes

* Get your eyes checked if your vision is poor. A new pair of spectacles may be all you need.

* See an eye doctor every 2 or 3 years to check for cataracts and glaucoma (raised pressure in the eye).

* Make sure your lights at home are bright enough.

Hearing

* Avoid loud music and noises.

* See your doctor if you have difficulty hearing. It may just be due to impacted cerumen (ear wax). Use a hearing aid if he recommends it.

Bladder control

* See your doctor if you find you cannot control your bladder. Most causes are treatable and reversible. Some elderly males may have to use incontinence bags which can be worn even when bicycling or dancing.

* Absorbent pads or geriatric diapers can help to overcome the discomfort and inconvenience of poor bladder control.

Muscles and heart

* Exercise will strengthen your muscles, heart and lungs. But if you aren’t used to exercising or if you have a medical condition, check with your doctor first before you start.

* Brisk walking, cycling and swimming are good exercises for older people.

* Start off slowly and gradually build up until you are exercising for 15 to 60 minutes, 3 to 5 days a week.

Joints

* Keep your joints supple with stretching exercises:

o Rotate neck, shoulders, wrists and ankles. Bend elbows and knees.

o Bend body forwards, backwards and sideways. Do sit-ups.

o Raise your legs up in front, to the side and back. Play an imaginary piano with your fingers.

* Take up yoga or simple exercises. These not only keep your joints supple but also help to improve your sense of balance and to avoid falls.

* • Keep your hands and feet warm at night to prevent stiffness in the morning.

Bones

* Osteoporosis or thinning of the bones is common among women over 60. It can be avoided or prevented by proper nutrition and adequate calcium intake and regular exercises.

* Women reaching menopause should check with their doctors whether they need to take any hormone supplements.

Teeth

* Brush your teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste after breakfast and before bedtime. Floss once a day.

* Change your dentures when they become loose. Well-fitted dentures enable you to chew properly and will not get accidentally swallowed.

* *See your dentist regularly (at least once a year) to check for cavities and gum disease. He will also make sure your dentures fit properly.