As we get older, our bodies, and what we need to stay in top health, start to change.
The good news is that knowing how to look after ourselves can prevent these changes from happening too early, so if you want to look and feel as good as you can for as long as you can, read on.
Below are five ways our bodies could change as we age, with some handy tips to help prevent them.
-
Bone Health
Over time, our bone density diminishes and bones start to weaken. This is a very gradual process, yet can lead to a variety of life-altering diseases such as osteoporosis. In short, osteoporosis makes our bones more prone to fracture, making the condition responsible for many injuries found in older people.
Women are more susceptible to this condition than men, but it is still important that all genders think about keeping their bones healthy (especially as we get older). Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to keep your bones strong and healthy. One way is to take calcium supplements.
Algaecal is a supplement that provides calcium and other vital vitamins and minerals that improve bone health, whilst also functioning as a natural osteoporosis treatment. Other ways to ensure your bones stay healthy are eating foods which are high in calcium and practising weight-bearing exercises.
-
Age Spots
Age spots are brown, black or greyish coloured flat markings on the skin. These spots can develop on the face, neck, hands, shoulders and arms. Some people refer to these spots as liver spots, senile lentigo or sun spots. These spots are primarily caused by years of sun exposure so people tend to notice them as they get older.
Preventing these spots is pretty simple, and can be as easy as ensuring that you regularly apply sunscreen (ideally SPF 30 or higher) whenever you are exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. When choosing a sunscreen, opt for a product that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Other ways of protecting your skin from the sun and avoid direct sunlight wherever possible and shielding your face with a hat.
- Muscles Mass
Our muscles tissue and strength often start decreasing after the age of 30.
The less we exercise the more this loss can accelerate. This loss in both strength and muscle mass can make all aspects of your life more challenging. The best way to reduce the risk of losing muscle tissue is to exercise regularly.
Even if you do not usually partake in much physical activity, adding more exercise to your weekly routine can be done quite easily. Start practising 30 minutes or so of light exercise whenever you can and slowly build this up over time. Resistance training is the best way to strengthen muscles and can make a significant difference when it comes to the loss of muscle mass.
- Body Fat
It can become progressively harder maintain a healthy body weight as we get older.
By the time we get to 75 years old our body fat could have increased by 50% compared to what it was throughout our younger years. There are many health problems related to having excess body fat, such as diabetes.
What’s more, the distribution of the body fat we gain with age can change. Many people often see the stomach or torso change in shape. In order to prevent gaining body fat, it’s important to stick to a balanced, healthy diet and avoid overeating. Regular exercise should also help you to avoid gaining any extra pounds.
- Wrinkles
Wrinkles happen as our skin starts to lose elasticity and are one of the main tell-tale signs that you’re getting older. Exposure to the sun can cause up to 90% of wrinkles so always protect your skin with sunscreen. You can also practise facial exercises of facial massages that can prevent wrinkles.
Getting older is inevitable, but we hope that the simple tips above mean you don’t feel old before your time.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
