Growing older is a fact of life. We will all do it and there are things we can expect along the way.
Gray hair. Achy bones. Wrinkles. Hearing loss. These are all the things that first come to mind when we think about getting older.
But there are still lots of facts about aging that nobody tells you. That’s why we’re bringing you this article, where we’ll discuss 12 things you may not know about aging. Let’s get to it!
1. Quality of Life Takes Centerstage
It’s not uncommon to fear death and to wonder, “How long will I live?”
But as you get older, maintaining a good quality of life will be a bigger concern. You’ll worry less about dying and more about how to maintain your lifestyle and independence.
2. Discrimination
Getting older means that people will start to recognize as you as, well, older.
Discrimination is one of the hard facts about aging. In fact, 63% of older adults claim that they’ve experienced at least one form of discrimination.
For example, those applying for jobs can face discrimination based on their age, as well as their race. Widowers and those with few household items also reported that they experienced major discrimination.
3. Hair & Nail Changes
Almost everyone experiences hair loss and gray hair as they get older. A lot of this has to do with genetics. But it also occurs because our body’s ability to grow hair gets slower with age.
Yet, you may find that you start to grow hair in unusual places. For instance, older men tend to grow more hair in their noses and ears.
Your nails may also turn yellow and brittle. Your fingertips may especially grow more prone to breaking. Meanwhile, your toenails may grow in thicker.
Changes in hair and nails are often attributed to iron and nutritional deficiencies. It’s important to have routine examinations as you get older. It’s possible to treat a lot of issues, including changes in hair and nails.
4. Better Sex
Seniors tend to get a bad rep when it comes to sex. Most people think that they can’t enjoy sex as much as they did when they were younger. But this isn’t necessarily the case!
Of course, erectile dysfunction can occur with old age, but 60% of men between 70 and 80 are sexually active. Additionally, the majority of women over the age of 70 find sex more satisfying in their old age.
5. Changes in Sense of Taste & Smell
As you get older, you may find that your sense of taste and smell isn’t the same as when you were younger. This can naturally occur with age, but it can also occur because of medications and illness.
Changes in taste and smell can alter one’s appetite. You may not find foods to be as appetizing in your old age.
6. Early Rising
Not a morning person? That could very well change in your old age.
Everybody’s sleeping patterns change as they get older. We tend to go to sleep and wake up earlier compared to when we’re in our 20’s.
Of course, there are concerns about one’s quality of sleep as they get older. But most elderly people report that they still get a good night of sleep on a regular basis.
7. Higher Likelihood of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse among older adults is on the rise. In 2017, there was a 65% increase in older adults who engaged in high-risk drinking.
There may be many reasons for these statistics. Some experts believe that anxiety about the economy may be to blame. It may also have to do with the fact that baby boomers are more accepting of drugs and alcohol than older generations.
It’s important to remember that alcohol affects you differently in old age. You may be able to handle a couple of drinks in your 30’s and 40’s. But 2-3 drinks in your 70’s might be too much.
8. Loss of Independence
A lot of older people shudder at the thought of nursing homes and live-in assistants. But sometimes, these facilities and services are necessary.
There are many ailments and diseases can affect a senior’s ability to be independent. Arthritis, Parkinson’s, stroke, and Alzheimer’s are some examples. These diseases and ailments can debilitate even the most independent individuals.
Some seniors may need more help than others. These seniors may need round-the-clock care and someone to help them with the most basic of tasks.
Others may only need minimal assistance. For example, some may need someone to drive them around. Others may only need a housekeeper.
Plan for the Future
There are many different kinds of senior resources and services. Take Families Choice Home Care, for example. This organization offers a variety of assisted living services in West Covina, California.
It’s possible that you may never need assistance in your older years. It never hurts to save and plan in case you do need help one day. Know which senior services are available in your area or wherever you plan to live later in life.
9. Wisdom Is Inevitable
Getting older has its perks. And one of the best things about aging is the wisdom you’ll accumulate from a lifetime of experiences.
As you age, you’ll find that you’ll have a firmer grasp on how to handle certain situations. Contrary to popular belief, you may not become a grumpy old man or woman. Chances are you’ll be more in control of your emotions and will react better as a result.
Loved ones will often come to you for advice. You’ll be able to give younger people a unique and rich perspective on life.
After all, they don’t call them the “golden years” for nothing!
Getting Older Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Live Your Best Life
The reality of aging doesn’t mean we’re all doomed to live in pain and agony in our later years. Getting older can be one of the most rewarding experiences in a person’s life. And you too can live a healthy and fulfilling life no matter if you’re 15 or 105!
Looking for more tips on how to live your best life? Check out our Healthy Living blog today!