With a Little Effort, We can be Our “Best Self” as We Age

Medical experts discuss the natural changes and not so natural changes our bodies go through as we age, and things we can do to help mitigate or delay some of the impact. The first thing to consider is that our heart must work harder as our arteries and blood vessels become stiffer, leading to things like high blood pressure and other forms of heart disease.

To keep your heart as healthy as possible, doctors recommend staying active each day. Walking, swimming or even moderate types of exercise can help maintain your weight. A heart-healthy lifestyle also includes sleeping 7 or 8 hours a night and eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and plant proteins.

Loss of muscle mass can reduce body strength and make it difficult to get around safely. Experts suggest daily exercise like a brisk walk and/or lifting light weights can help improve strength and function. Remember it is always important to check with your doctor to see how much exercise is right for you.

Older people may begin to notice changes to their sight and hearing. You may find yourself needing reading glasses or having difficulty driving at night. A sign of hearing problems can include trouble hearing higher frequencies, needing to increase the volume on the TV, or following conversations in a crowded restaurant. The best remedy is to have your vision and hearing regularly checked; wear sunglasses when in the sun, and earplugs to protect from loud noises.

Occurrence of tooth decay, plaque, infections and gum disease can be more frequent as we age. Good dental health includes brushing and flossing twice daily and getting regular check-ups and teeth cleaning.

As our bones begin to weaken in our 40s, and bone loss is sometimes measured by a decrease of an inch or two in stature; joints can start to feel stiffer as fluid and cartilage decreases and wears away. The 50s and 60s can bring on the first signs of arthritis, which is why doctors stress it is important to get enough calcium in your diet and vitamin D.

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