When does old age begin and what are the signs of it? A doctor tells us

Therapist, nephrologist, nutritionist, nutritionist, candidate of medical sciences

Aging is a natural process. It should not be feared. Moreover, it can be influenced. This is within the power of any person.

What is aging?

It is a biological process of loss of important functions of the body. We are talking about the ability to reproduce and regenerate. It is also an increase in the risk of death from natural causes.

Signs of aging

Many people mistakenly believe that gray hair is the main sign of aging. It isn’t. The cause of the decrease in melanin in pigmentation can be heredity. What then will speak of maturity?

Loss of skin elasticity and firmness

One of the first signs of aging will be a change in the skin on the hands. It begins to thin, and it shows veins and tendons. The reason for this is the low level of subcutaneous fatty tissue. Then the transformation will affect the face: expression lines, eye drooping, sagging areas of the face and neck.

Joint problems

Limited movement is caused by pain in the joints, which lose their usual mobility. Cartilage tissue is destroyed, which leads to the formation of overgrowths. Osteoarthritis, arthritis and gout often develop.

Weight gain

With age, the rate at which lipids are removed from fatty tissue decreases. Therefore, older people are advised to watch their calorie intake. Weight gain is also affected by thyroid problems. Hormonal malfunctions lead to the appearance of extra pounds.

Problems with blood vessels

Many experts tend to consider the first sign of aging to be a change in the movement of blood through the vessels. If the blood flow of the brain is reduced, premature fading occurs. Why? The brain receives nutrition at the expense of tubular formations. Deficiency of oxygen and nutrients negatively affects the work of this organ.

Cognitive decline

With age, there are problems with memory, gnosis, speech, praxis and intelligence. Why. The nervous system depends on metabolic processes, which are impaired in the elderly. Work capacity and attention are reduced, insomnia develops.

Problems with the gastrointestinal tract

Problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract are due to a violation of the qualitative and quantitative composition of the intestinal microflora. Also can affect failures in the endocrine and immune systems.

When does old age begin?

Previously, old age was considered to be the period when a person lost the ability to reproduce. However, fertility by age differs significantly between women and men. Menopause begins between the ages of 48 and 55. The reproductive system of the stronger sex of mankind functions much longer. There are known cases of conception of children in long-lived people from mountain auls. Here 80 years old is considered maturity.

In modern medicine everything is different. Today the elderly are called 60-75 year olds, and 75-90 year olds – people of advanced age.

What about the long-lived?

The World Health Organization has decided that old age begins at age 90. Remarkably, most patients manage to keep a bright mind and sufficient body functioning.

How to slow down aging?

The aging process can be influenced by yourself. This will help:

• Regular physical activity. It plays a key role in maintaining healthy joints, muscles, heart. It also has a positive effect on overall immunity;
• Weight control. Excess pounds contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome;
• balanced diet. Proper nutrition will help to maintain the ability to work longer, improve the work of the GI tract and slow down the development of some diseases;
• mental exercise, hobbies. New information improves the brain’s cognitive function;

• controlling target cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure. What does it give? Knowing the numbers, it is possible to prolong the “vascular age” by taking measures in time. That is, to modify all the risks.