Ageing: What Happens As We Get Older?

Dr. Vivek Baliga

Cardiologist and Consultant Physician

We all start ageing from the moment we are born. The cells in our body begin to multiply, allowing the human body to grow to its adult size over a period of years. As time progresses, the cells reach a stagnating point and cells that die are replaced by healthy new cells. But there comes a point in the life of our cells where new cell formation begins to slow down and the existing cells become smaller and older. The tissues in our bodies become weaker, the organs and vital structures become less efficient and we start to slow down both physically and mentally. This phenomenon that occurs over a period of years is called ageing. Let’s take a look at what exactly happens to all the vital structures as we get older. What exactly is ageing? According to the National Institute on Ageing, there does not appear to be a clear definition, but there does appear to be an understanding that ‘ageing is the change that occurs over the course of life’. As previously mentioned, we grow, we develop as time passes and we reach maturity. The pleasures we experience in life are different at various points in the ageing process. For example, those who are younger may enjoy spending more time with friends and travelling, while those who are older may enjoy spending more time with their family and may be more involved in their professions. In the movie Meet Joe Black starring Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins, there is a dialogue regarding two certainties in life — ‘death and taxes’. On this earth, we have to face both of these even if we do not want to. So yes, ageing is a certainty that we all encounter irrespective of caste, creed, gender and religion. Ageing spares no one. Your bones and joints As you age, the bones become smaller and thinner. This makes them weaker and more prone to fractures. The muscles generally become weaker as well and do not have the same tone and mass that they had years ago. You may find that due to this weakness, you have difficulty coordinating yourself when moving and may experience a degree of imbalance. In order to counter the premature ageing of bones and joints, doctors now prescribe certain supplements such as calcium and vitamin D. These supplements help strengthen the bones and muscles to some extent. It is recommended that individuals follow a good exercise plan to keep the bones and muscles strong and avoid smoking and consuming alcohol in excess. Your heart As you get older, your heart may enlarge in size and your blood vessels may become stiffer. Stiffer blood vessels mean the heart needs to pump a lot harder than usual. This can lead to high blood pressure.

Keep your heart healthy by performing physical exercise on a regular basis. Avoid smoking and make sure you manage your stress through relaxation therapies and regular yoga. Follow a healthy diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in fat and salt. Your digestion

Constipation is a common problem as we get older. This may happen due to a poor diet, lack of exercise and an insufficient intake of water. Certain medications that may be taken for various clinical conditions may also contribute to constipation. Hyperacidity is another problem encountered commonly as we get older. It is simple to treat constipation by consuming a high-fibre diet, performing regular exercise and drinking sufficient amounts of water. Your bladder

Your bladder can get weaker as you get older, leading to a condition called incontinence. This tends to be a lot more common in women who have undergone childbirth, which leads to weakening of the muscles supporting the urinary bladder. In men, the prostate may become larger, leading to difficulty passing urine or frequent urination.

You can maintain the health of your bladder by keeping bathroom breaks at shorter intervals, avoiding smoking and performing Kegel exercises. Your memory

It is only normal to lose some memory as we get older. The levels to which each individual loses it can vary and may depend on other factors as well. Learning new facts and remembering simple things may become harder.

Keep your brain sharp by increasing mentally stimulating activities, physical activity and by consuming a healthy diet. Avoid excessive alcohol intake and smoking. Keep your blood pressure under control with medication if required.

Your eyes and ears

Visual loss is a common phenomenon due to cataracts. You may notice that your hearing is getting impaired as well. Make sure you visit your ophthalmologist and ear doctor regularly. Your teeth

Your teeth will get looser and possibly fall out as your gums get weaker and recede. See your dentist regularly to detect problems early. Your skin

Your skin will get a lot thinner and lose its elasticity. Wrinkles are a given. Age spots may appear. Take care of your skin by using a gentle soap and warm water to bathe.