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4 Things That Happen When You Start Aging

Considering the amount of anti-wrinkle and anti-aging products there are on the market, it would suggest that no one really wants to grow old. People want to cling to their youth (which is why there is a such a big market for these products), but what actually happens when you start aging?

Your Physical Appearance Alters, And You Start To Wrinkle
One of the most well-known and obvious things that change is your skin. As you age, your skin becomes thinner and less elastic, and this causes it to wrinkle. Not only does the skin get thinner, but it also becomes more dry and fragile and therefore bruising and other marks are a lot easier to get. According to Mayo Clinic, older individuals should be mindful of this, and take precautions with both skin care products, and using protection when exposed to the elements.

Your Teeth And Gums Are More Susceptible To Infection
It’s not just your skin, but also your teeth and gums that will change, and the gums appear to pull away from teeth, which makes an older individual more susceptible to infection. Brushing and flossing are important always, but should definitely not be skipped as you age.

You May Gain Weight
With age, the metabolism starts to slow down. This means you will burn fewer calories than before, and will gain weight if you continue to eat the same amount. It’s important to be mindful of this, as physical activity often decreases with age, too.

But you will also lose muscle mass. According to UC San Diego, in an individual’s early 30s, they will find themselves losing muscle mass, which is replaced with fat.

Bones Become More Brittle And Weaker
According to MedlinePlus, in addition to a loss of strength and endurance, as well as a breakdown of joints, osteoporosis becomes a problem, especially for women. Bones break so much easier and become brittle.

You Become Shorter And Your Posture Changes
Older people also become shorter, often because the trunk and spine shorten. Plus, the posture usually changes and can become more bent. MedlinePlus also notes that there could be a change in the way an individual walks, with the pattern becoming less steady, slower, and shorter.

Women Get Less Migraines
If you suffer from migraines now, then perhaps one appealing thing about aging is that, if you’re a woman, this won’t happen as often, UC San Diego reports. The changes in hormone levels after menopause are the reason.

Your Memory Is Not What It Used To Be
Up until this point, most of the age-related changes have been things that are visible, but putting physical signs of aging aside, your brain also undergoes changes. If you find yourself forgetting minor things with age and the memory is no longer what it used to be, this is a very normal sign of aging. According to Mayo Clinic, older individuals may have difficulties with names and numbers but also find it hard to multitask.

Your Heart Works Harder Because Of Stiffer Blood Vessels
It’s important to remain active as you age, the reason being that your heart needs to work harder than before due to the blood vessels and arteries stiffening, WebMD reports. This change increases the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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