The Physical Changes of Ageing

Ageing is an inevitable process that leads to various physiological changes over time. These changes are gradual and start to become evident typically from middle age onwards.
The skin’s elasticity decreases as age increases, leading to the appearance of wrinkles and sagging. The quantity of subcutaneous fat also decreases, making the skin feel drier and thinner.
Muscular strength generally declines, as the muscles lose mass and tone. This process, referred to as sarcopenia, can begin as early as in the 30s and progressively intensify after the 50s.
Stamina usually declines due to diminished lung capacity and heart efficiency. Such decline restricts the ability to undertake physically demanding activities.
Bone density decreases as people age, a process known as osteoporosis. This condition can result in breaks or fractures from falls and may cause permanent disability or even death.
Vision and hearing can become impaired with age. Presbyopia (affects the ability to focus on near objects) and presbyacusis (gradual hearing loss to high-frequency sounds) are common age-related changes.
The metabolic rate decreases with age. Thus the body requires fewer calories, but nutritional requirements (vitamins and minerals) increase for maintaining health.
Digestive functions slow down, leading to constipation and other gastrointestinal issues. Dental problems may increase because of years of wear and tear on teeth and gums.
The brain and nervous system may show cognitive and neurological changes. These can include slower cognitive processing speed, memory impairments, and challenges with coordination and balance.
Hormone production and endocrine functions often change, causing conditions like menopause in women and lower testosterone levels in men.
The body’s immune system typically weakens with age, making individuals more susceptible to infections, diseases, and illnesses.
The body also takes longer to repair and regenerate cells, tissues, and organs. Consequently, the healing process after injuries or illnesses may take longer.

It’s important to remember that these changes are not absolute and can be influenced by various factors like exercise, diet, and overall lifestyle. Everyone’s ageing process is unique and can differ widely, marked by varying degrees of these changes.