We are all more than aware that as we blow off the candles on that birthday cake each year, aging quite insidiously creeps up on us. Theoretically, we understand that the organs and organ systems undergo significant changes with aging but the hardest part is coming to terms with aging. Aging should be a beautiful transition of body, mind and soul. In order to age in a better way, one must consider the following do’s and dont’s.
Let us take a quick look at what happens to the body with aging.
From a purely physical perspective, one of the immediate and observable outcomes of aging is the gradual reduction of height, with many people’s postures actually turning to a stoop. This decrease in height and erectness of the spine is caused by the erector muscles gradually becoming lax.
Coming to the physiological implications of the process of aging, we must realize that every organ and organ system and therefore, their functions gradually decelerate.
With aging, the cardiovascular functioning also tends to slow down. The various arteries and blood vessels also become stiffer with aging. This may, therefore, lead to hypertension and other cardiac complications. The ideal way to ensure optimum cardiac health even while aging is to ensure that we follow appropriate diet and lifestyle practices, being mindful of quantity and quality of food, of ensuring adequate daily exercise and trying to sleep for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. Aggravators of cardiac ill health include smoking, stress and poorly managed lifestyle habits.
With aging, the entire musculoskeletal system also undergoes a high degree of wear and tear, especially with regard to the weight-bearing joints. Depletion of calcium levels, aggravated by vitamin D deficiency may also cause brittleness of bones, thereby making even a small fall risky.
A gentle exercise routine that works all weight-bearing joints and muscle is necessary to counter the effects of aging on the joints. Make sure your diet consists food items that are rich in calcium to avoid any bone-related diseases.
Metabolism slows as we age, with indigestion and heartburn being common. It is recommended that we eat small, light and easily digestible meals as we age. Ideally, the last meal of the day must be finished at least 2 to 3 hours before retiring to bed. Eating a nutritive and fiber-rich meals are equally important to prevent constipation.
Prostrate issues are very common in men as a result of aging and can be prevented by ensuring timely urination, prevention of constipation and maintaining optimum body weight.
At a cognitive level also, aging causes the gradual decay of brain cells in different parts of the brain, especially in the region associated with memory and retention. An active lifestyle with good nutrition, stress management, regular exercise and adequate sleep are seen as essential in enhancing brain function.
