Knowing the Signs of Aging and What Changes to Check Out

As you lean into this new season, you might feel like nothing’s really changed. Or, maybe you have more energy and focus, and just a touch more stiffness. Perhaps you have less stiffness but more aches and pains. Wherever you find yourself, we want to put your mind at ease so you can truly enjoy 65 and all the years to follow. 

What to Expect When You’re Aging

There’s plenty of information out there about the so-called joys of aging, like creaky bones, hours of lying awake, or having to be near a bathroom at all times. But a lot of the information doesn’t go far enough. It stops at the negative, “Don’t get old, it’s no fun,” when the reality is: Most of these aging changes are par for the course (and may not be nearly as bad as they sound or seem). And—best news of all—they don’t have to keep you from the joy of hobbies, grandchildren, or other enriching life activities.

Changes to Sleep

If you can’t sleep through the night the way you used to, don’t lose sleep over it. Changes to these patterns are a normal part of aging, along with a natural shift in energy levels.

Consider your current sleep habits and create a routine that encourages rest (remember, resting your aging body might not always mean sleeping for 8 hours straight—and that’s OK). We created a sleep hygiene guide for you to understand these changes better, and to provide ideas for establishing new rhythms. Check it out here.

Changes in Diet

It’s understandable to be concerned when you find yourself hating foods you’ve always loved, or noticing that the pounds stick around more than they used to. Changes in taste and diet, as well as changes in metabolism, are normal aging symptoms.

One piece of nutrition advice that never gets old? Drink. More. Water. Hydration remains a hugely important key to good health for the aging body and really, any body.

Nutrient-rich foods and a healthy diet help too, and our team of knowledgeable nutritionists have created numerous recipes and resources to support you in making some dietary adjustments around the table. Check out our collection of Eat Well blogs for inspiration.

Changes to Joints

Aches, pains, stiffness: the musculoskeletal system definitely absorbs the effects of wear and tear on the body over time, but it’s not always cause for alarm. Gentle stretching and regular walking (as opposed to staying sedentary for long periods of time) are positive antidotes to all things arthritis and age-related aches and pains.

Changes to the hormonal systems (decreased production of bone-boosting hormones like estrogen, for example), chronic conditions, vitamin D and calcium deficiencies, physical inactivity, genetics, and a number of other things can play a part in the weakening of bones as you add more candles to your cake each year.

Changes in Bladder

Finding yourself running to the restroom every time you’re running errands? Or scanning the scene at a social outing to make sure there’s a bathroom close by? You’re not alone.

Nearly half of older women experience reduced bladder capacity and increased urgency, and up to 30 percent of older men experience similar challenges.

As your bladder muscles weaken with age, your ability to control the urge to use the bathroom—and to get there on time when you have to go—becomes more difficult. A weakened bladder and the lack of estrogen (primarily for women) also contributes to an increased risk of infection.

That’s why UTIs—urinary tract infections—are one of the top reasons older adults head to the ER. Left untreated, UTIs can cause severe pain, discomfort, dehydration, and delirium and dementia-like symptoms that seem to emerge almost overnight.

When to Double Check with Your Doctor

The longer you’ve lived, the more you might know when something feels off. If you’re still learning how to listen to your body’s signals, that’s OK too.

Nevertheless, there are times when your aging body is telling you something you need to share with your doctor (and self-diagnosis through WebMD doesn’t count!). Here, we’ll take a look at 5 reasons to call your doctor and talk things through:

1. Persistent pain: You tried your go-to pain relievers, yet you’re still uncomfortable or unable to move, function, or sleep without relief.
   
   

2. A rash that doesn’t go away: Your skin is your largest organ. When something is going awry in your body, it may show up there. If your usual means of treating skin issues aren’t working—or if the rash is worsening over time—call your provider.
   
   

3. Sudden, significant weight loss: Most people are happy to drop a few pounds, but it isn’t always a reason to celebrate—especially if it was a drastic amount in a short period of time, or if you hadn’t done anything differently (extreme diet or exercise changes) to cause it.
   
   

4. Fatigue that doesn’t improve with sleep: Being tired from chasing the dogs or post-work hobbies is one thing, but not being able to stay awake even after nights of good, restful sleep is another. Talk to your doctor when the fatigue is preventing you from keeping up with your usual schedule and daily to-dos.
   
   

5. Dizziness, increased falls/balance issues, or changes in vision that don’t improve: These are all things that can indicate your vestibular system is not performing as it should, not something to wave off as “just getting older.”

Cognitive Changes to Take Note Of

Many people panic at the first sign of a lapse in memory, resigning themselves to a case of early onset Alzheimer’s. But while there are some age-related changes to the brain that can impact memory and cognitive function, memory loss is NOT a normal part of aging.

Your brain changes with age—so while it may be harder to remember where you put your keys or recall the name of your new neighbor you met yesterday, that doesn’t mean you’re on the road to dementia. Mild forgetfulness and trouble recalling information quickly are normal aging symptoms.

Struggling to keep up with conversations or finding the right words to express yourself could be a sign of something more than forgetfulness. And when memory loss interferes with daily life—like not just forgetting where you put your keys, but what to use them for—a call to a trusted health care provider is a good next step.

Changes in the way you get around or how you perform daily tasks like getting dressed or preparing/eating meals could also be a sign of something more than just the body slowing down. Frequent or unexplained falls or a struggle to maintain balance might indicate there’s an underlying issue that isn’t just “normal aging.”

Remember though: these changes are sometimes connected to a cognitive deficit or challenge unrelated to dementia, or they’re a medication side effect, or it’s something genetic (maybe your Dad experienced the same change when he turned 65). Always call your provider to talk through your symptoms before dismissing them as aging or Alzheimer’s.

Is It Arthritis or Is It Aging?

Besides Alzheimer’s, many aging adults quickly diagnose their joint pain and achiness as arthritis. But it’s important to understand what kind of everyday aches are age-related, and when stiffness in the bones and joints is the sign of something else.

Arthritis is extremely common among older adults, but there are many different types (more than 100, according to experts at the Cleveland Clinic). Not only that, there are natural, normal changes to our bones and joints that happen as we get older, such as:

1. lifelong wear and tear

2. changes to hormone levels (for men and women)

3. medication side effects or long-term treatment side effects (chemotherapy, for example, can compromise bone health)

4. genetics

5. prior injuries

6. chronic illnesses

7. Inflammation

With all of these factors and variables in mind, staying in touch with your provider is key as you experience these changes. Use the following checklist to keep track of 6 symptoms that may be indicative of arthritis over normal aging aches and pains:

• Take note of how long your morning stiffness lasts (more than 30 minutes could be a sign of arthritis).

• Take note of when joint swelling becomes uncomfortable, painful, or reduces your range of motion.

• Take note of joint pain that doesn’t improve with gentle exercise, hydration and a healthy diet, or safe, doctor-approved pain relievers.

• Take note of when your skin is discolored around your joints.

• Take note of when your joints or even your skin is especially tender or sensitive to the touch.

• Take note of a feeling of warmth or heat around your joints.

Small Daily Habits Make a Big Difference

Go easy on yourself as you go through these changes—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Stay connected to friends and family who bring you joy and keep you on your toes. Stay on your toes with walks, stretching, and Tai Chi. Eat nourishing foods as often as you can to keep your energy up and provide nutrients to keep your bones and joints healthy.

Each day, do at least one or two “little” things to keep the big picture of health front and center. Take a walk with a neighbor. Then, sit on the porch afterwards and drink a tall glass of lemon water. Your body has carried you through nearly 7 decades of life. Celebrate that accomplishment by caring for your body well in this new season.

Partnering With Your Provider to Age Well

In addition to staying connected socially, stay connected with your healthcare providers and keep up with what they recommend for preventive care. Use our Wellness Calendar to track regular checkups and important screenings. Take notes on any changes or new, persistent symptoms of concern so you can talk about them with your physician at your next appointment.

Don’t have a provider that truly listens or understands your aging body? ArchWell Health’s nationwide centers offer accessible care and events and caring, compassionate providers who specialize in care for those 65 and up. They listen, they advise, and most importantly, they get to know what matters most to you.

Rather than looking at age as a limitation, ArchWell Health’s team of professionals—from geriatricians to social workers to nutritionists—want to see you live your best life from 65 through 105. Learn more about our services and locations here.