What Changes Happen When We Age?

Although incontinence is not merely an aspect of age, as we grow older, our organs do become less efficient.  Therefore, our need for incontinence products as we advance in years. As the infographic makes clear, aging organs is a natural consequence of passing years.  Our cells can only divide so many times before they die off – and when the number of cells becomes too low, our organs being to function less well.

Our bodies peak just before the age of 30.  This does not mean that parts of the body suddenly decline, and function will remain adequate for many years.  However, what this decline means as we grow older is that we are less able to handle stress.  Stress incontinence, for instance, is much more common in older people.  First, the urinary organs are most commonly affected by age and, second, stresses on this organ – such as sneezing and coughing – are an everyday occurrence.

However, the first signs of aging are more likely to be felt in our musculoskeletal system. As the infographic clearly shows, our bones become much less dense as we age.  Decreased bone density increases our chance of fractures.  Women struggle much more here – as the loss of estrogen can result in a more significant decline in bone density than that experienced by men.  Our muscle mass also begins to decline from the age of 30. However, we are only going to lose approximately 10% of our mass over a lifetime and exercising could quickly compensate for this.

This all may sound depressing – and the infographic covers all aspects of the body – which can be overwhelming.  However, there are positive messages to be found.  For instance, it is normal for people to enter their forties to find reading the cooking instructions on food difficult.  Therefore, if most people in their forties find this tough – and this is why reading glasses exist – then you know there is nothing seriously amiss.  It is normal to feel depressed when your arms are never long enough when timing your evening meal.

When you read the infographic look for the positive messages about how to preserve this body of ours – then growing old can be more pleasurable.

This blog was written by Ruth Hilton