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continued:

Aging: What to expect as you get older

Your eyes and ears

What's happening. With age, the eyes are less able to produce tears, the retinas thin, and the lenses gradually become less clear. Focusing on objects that are close up may become more difficult. You may become more sensitive to glare and have trouble adapting to different levels of light. Your hearing may dim somewhat as well. You may have difficulty hearing high frequencies or following a conversation in a crowded room.

What you can do about it. Schedule regular vision and hearing exams — then follow your doctor's advice about glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and other corrective devices. To prevent further damage, wear sunglasses when you're outdoors and use earplugs when you're around loud machinery or other loud noises.

Your teeth

What's happening. Your mouth may begin to feel drier and your gums may pull back (recede) from your teeth. With less saliva to wash away bacteria, your teeth and gums become slightly more vulnerable to decay and infection. Your teeth also may darken slightly and become more brittle and easier to break.

What you can do about it. Brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth — using regular dental floss or an interdental cleaner — once a day. Visit your dentist or dental hygienist for regular dental checkups.

Your skin

What's happening. With age, your skin thins and becomes less elastic and more fragile. You may notice that you bruise more easily. Decreased production of natural oils may make your skin drier and more wrinkled. Age spots can occur, and small growths called skin tags are more common.

What you can do about it. Bathe in warm — not hot — water, and use mild soap and moisturizer. When you're outdoors, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit. Smoking contributes to skin damage, such as wrinkling.

Your weight

What's happening. Maintaining a healthy weight — or losing weight if you're overweight — is more difficult as you get older. Muscle mass tends to decrease with age, which leads to an increase in fat. Since fat tissue burns fewer calories than does muscle, you may need to reduce the number of calories in your diet or increase your physical activity simply to maintain your current weight.

What you can do about it. To prevent unwanted weight gain, include physical activity in your daily routine and eat a healthy diet. Also keep an eye on portion sizes. You might not need to eat as much as you used to.

Your sexuality

What's happening. With age, sexual needs, patterns and performance may change. Illness or medication may affect your ability to enjoy sex. For women, vaginal dryness can make sex uncomfortable. For men, impotence may become a concern. It may take longer to get an erection, and erections may not be as firm as they used to be.

What you can do about it. Share your needs and concerns with your partner. You might experiment with different positions or sexual activities. Be open with your doctor, too. He or she may offer specific treatment suggestions — such as estrogen cream for vaginal dryness or oral medication for erectile dysfunction.

Remember, it's never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle. You can't stop the aging process, but you can minimize the impact by making healthy lifestyle choices.

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References
  1. Aging hearts & arteries: A scientific quest. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/0BBF820F-27D0-48EA-9820-736B7E9F08BB/0/HAFinal_0601.pdf. Accessed May 3, 2010.
  2. AgePage: Osteoporosis: The bone thief. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/osteoporosis.htm. Accessed May 3, 2010.
  3. AgePage: Concerned about constipation? National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/constipation.htm. Accessed May 3, 2010.
  4. AgePage: Urinary incontinence. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/urinary.htm. Accessed May 3, 2010.
  5. Understanding memory loss. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/F35FE176-B3E6-4FD5-8FA0-C37E53EBCD89/0/understandingmemorylossJune2007.pdf. Accessed May 3, 2010.
  6. AgePage: Aging and your eyes. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/eyes.htm. Accessed May 3, 2010.
  7. AgePage: Hearing loss. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/hearing.htm. Accessed May 3, 2010.
  8. AgePage: Sexuality in later life. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/sexuality.htm. Accessed May 3, 2010.
  9. Fit and fabulous as you mature. Weight-control Information Network. http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/mature.htm. Accessed May 3, 2010.
  10. Oral changes with age. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/oral_changes_faq.asp. Accessed May 3, 2010.
  11. AgePage: Skin care and aging. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/skin.htm. Accessed May 3, 2010.
HA00040 Aug. 7, 2010

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