1. Watch Your Weight as You Get Older
If you are someone with a high body fat content, you should know you're in for trouble. In men aged 55 or more, someone can predict your death by looking at your girth: a large waist circumference is a better predictor than waist-to-hip ratio. In men, plummeting testosterone and growth hormone levels as well as declining body fat breakdown and in women dropping estrogen levels contribute to these body changes. In any case, better to start shedding pounds of body fat than tons your muscle. Older women were found to have a higher body fat ratio than men. And, if you are a woman aged between 60 and 88, your lung capacity might be lower compared to men of the same age. In fact, increasing body fat content and weight had a negative effect on lung functions in both men and women.
2. Body Changes Leading Cause of Death and Disease
Heart disease, cancer and stroke have been the leading causes of death in the elderly. In the U.S., white men and women 65 to 74 years old, for instance, the third leading cause is chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and related conditions (COPD). COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases. In addition, bone, muscle and joint disorders such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis may contribute to pain and loss of mobility. Vision, hearing and other sensory disorders can isolate older people. Diabetes and incontinence can deprive individuals of their independence.
3. Is There a Way Out?
There is no elixir of youth. Nonetheless, it is never too late to minimize the impact of age on body changes by taking on a healthy lifestyles. Do not hesitate to incorporate reasonable physical activity, a balanced diet and stable lean body weight among your priorities. You'll be glad you did, as they are known to reduce the risk for heart disease and myriad other problems.
4. Getting Novel Insights Into Body Mechanisms
Research is getting a handle on the causes underlying body changes and risk factors for disease and disabilities. These could help develop ways to reduce the severity of disease and disability. According to the U.S. National Institute of Aging, insights have emerged from studies on alterations in genes or gene products, effects of hormones or other factors external to the cell, and changes in how the body coordinates and integrates its complex activities. Targets to prevent death or inappropriate proliferation of cells and to reduce inflammation and damage to tissues are on the top burner. New knowledge in genetics, biochemistry and physiology is paving the way for new preventive strategies and medications.
5. Hope on the Horizon
To address the body changes in the elderly, researchers at the National Institute of Aging are looking into new ways to improve the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes. Aging experts are testing the effects of hormone replacement, dietary supplementation, and exercise and fitness. Basic research findings can lead to clinical applications. New drugs and compounds, strategies for improving physical and mental fitness, as well as approaches for preventing falls and other injuries are in the works.
