You have a lot of control over how you feel as you grow older—from your heart and eyes to your skin and bones. Understanding what’s natural and taking simple steps can help you delay or lessen the changes.

Your Heart Works Harder

As you age, your blood vessels and arteries stiffen, making your heart work harder to pump blood. This can lead to high blood pressure and other heart issues.

Try This:

• Stay active. Walk, run, or swim—moderate exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and lowers blood pressure.
• Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep your heart healthy.
• Manage stress and get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night to repair your heart and blood vessels.

Your Skin Feels Different

Aging skin produces less natural oil, feels drier, and loses some fatty tissue, making it seem thinner. You may also notice wrinkles, age spots, and skin tags.

Try This:

• Take warm, not hot, baths and showers.
• Wear sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors.
• Quit smoking to reduce wrinkles.
• Check your skin regularly and report changes to your doctor.

You Find It Harder to See and Hear

You may struggle to focus on close objects, need reading glasses, see more glare, or have difficulty adjusting to changes in light. Hearing high frequencies or following conversations in crowded rooms may become challenging.

Try This:

• Get regular vision and hearing check-ups.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes.
• Use earplugs in noisy environments.

Your Teeth and Gums Change

Gums may recede, and some medications can cause dry mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and infections.

Try This:

• Brush twice and floss once daily to remove food and plaque.
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

Your Bones Become More Brittle

Bones begin to weaken in your 40s and 50s, becoming less dense and more prone to fractures. You might also lose height as spinal disks shrink, and joints may feel stiffer due to decreased fluid and cartilage.

Try This:

• Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake through dairy, almonds, broccoli, kale, or supplements.
• Spend time in sunlight for vitamin D or consume foods like tuna, sardines, egg yolks, and fortified cereals.
• Consult your doctor about supplements.

Going to the Bathroom

Urinary incontinence, affecting about 10% of those 65 or older, may cause leakage when coughing or sneezing. Constipation can result from conditions like diabetes or medications.

Try This:

• Consult your doctor if you frequently feel the urge to go.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, sodas, and acidic foods.
• Practice Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
• Eat high-fiber foods, drink plenty of water, and exercise to prevent constipation.

It’s Harder Getting Around or Staying Strong

Aging reduces muscle mass, leading to weakness and reduced activity.

Try This:

• Engage in moderate exercise like brisk walking or lifting light weights to maintain muscle strength.
• Check with your doctor to determine the right level of activity for you.

Your Sex Life Changes, Too

Women may experience dryness and less elastic vaginal tissues during menopause, while men may have difficulty maintaining erections due to health conditions or treatments.

Try This:

• Discuss symptoms with your doctor, who can prescribe medications to ease physical symptoms or enhance sexual desire.

While we can’t turn back the clock, patience, care, and smart lifestyle changes can help us make the most of our bodies as we age.