We all know that as you age, your body goes through considerable changes. What used to be an easy task, like vacuuming or gardening, might now leave you sore the next day. Maybe even the way you cope with stress or digest food has changed over time too.

The truth is, as you get older, it can be harder and harder to manage your health needs because they can drastically change. If this is something that affects you- don’t worry. We’re here to help you understand what changes are a normal part of aging, what warning signs you should look out for, and how to maintain and improve your health as you age.

How do Your Health Needs Change as You Age?

The first step to understanding how you can manage your health needs is to recognize what is and what isn’t a normal part of aging.

What is a Normal Part of Aging?

Here are some of the typical bodily changes you can expect as you age:

Your bones lose mass and density, affecting your height and posture.
Your arteries become stiffer, and plaque can build up on your heart, contributing to higher blood pressure.
You may experience age-related memory issues, although it shouldn’t affect your day-to-day life.
Your digestive system slows, which may affect the types of foods you can eat without experiencing slight issues.
You may notice that your hearing, vision, sense of smell, or taste is slowly losing sharpness.
Your oral health will be harder to maintain. For example, you may notice you develop cavities more easily, or your teeth become more sensitive.
Your skin loses elasticity, which can cause it to wrinkle. Your skin can also become more sensitive.

What isn’t a Normal Part of Aging?

If you are experiencing any painful or prolonged physical changes, it is best not to assume that it’s normal and see a doctor just in case.

Any of the following symptoms could indicate a significant health problem and should be checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible:

Feeling constantly exhausted or depressed
Abrupt weakness or dizziness
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
Pressure or tightness in your chest area
Prolonged tingling or numbness
Loss of balance or coordination
Difficulty speaking or swallowing
Feeling too hot or sweating a lot
Sudden vision loss or blurred vision
Swelling without reason or injury
Rapid weight loss or weight gain
Prolonged confusion or memory issues
Wounds that never seem to heal

As you age, knowing when to get medical attention becomes more and more important. By getting prompt medical attention when needed, you increase your chances of living a happy, healthy, and fulfilled life.

Steps to Maintain & Improve Your Health

No matter your fitness level, lifestyle habits, or diet, it’s never too late to start taking proactive steps to maintain and even improve your health. To manage your health as you age, you should always: