The human body doesn’t remain the same forever; it changes throughout our entire lives, leading to health-related issues later in life. It’s essential to know these common health risks as you age so that you know the specific changes occurring inside your body. Know your body, make a note of any difference you witness or feel, and never hesitate to visit your doctor for a diagnosis.
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Osteoporosis
Bones can thin with age, and this is most prevalent in senior individuals. The reason for this is that as the body grows older, it absorbs the older bone tissue faster than it can create new tissue. This inevitably results in a thinning of bone density, leaving people vulnerable to easily broken bones.
This condition makes falling a serious concern, as the bones can break when a person hits the ground. There are no obvious symptoms of osteoporosis, but doctors can run bone tests to determine your body’s bone density.
Slowed Metabolism
The metabolism controls how efficiently our bodies break down food into energy; the faster it works, the more energy we have. But the metabolism can degenerate as years go by, slowing down the metabolic process and making it more difficult to regulate food breakdown.
As a result, the body instead holds on to food, converting it to fat. Your metabolism decreasing can result in unexpected weight gain and fatigue, but individuals can manage it with a diet change. The metabolism is one part of the endocrine system, a collection of organs that also affects the body as people age, leading to serious health concerns.
Vision Loss
Vision loss affects people at many ages; some need glasses in their pre-teen years, while others will need a pair in their 60s. However, no matter their past vision issues, people will most likely experience some sort of vision loss as they age.
This decrease in visual acuity happens due to the eye’s macula deteriorating, lowering the level of detail people can see. Glaucoma also plays a significant role in vision loss by raising the fluid pressure in the eyes, damaging the optic nerve. There are no real early warning signs of glaucoma; the only way to catch it early is through regular eye examinations.
Take Care of Yourself Early
The body naturally breaks down as people age; there’s no getting around that, but it’s still possible to remain healthy later in life. Be aware of the common health risks to look out for as you age and take the necessary steps to keep yourself and your body in good shape for years to come.
