Signs of Aging You Shouldn’t Ignore: A Complete Guide for Seniors
Getting older is a natural part of life that incurs many physical and mental changes.
Often, signs of aging like greying hair, age-spotted skin, loss of hearing or sight, or changes in sleeping patterns, strength, energy levels, and appetite, are considered normal and are not indicative of anything more serious occurring within the body. However, what is important to distinguish is when these normal changes transition into something abnormal, which can be a sign of something more sinister, such as chronic disease, muscle deterioration, heart disease, or cancer.
Learning to recognize and address changes occurring within your body or your mental health is essential for maintaining your health as you age. This article aims to help you identify key symptoms and warning signs you should be aware of to help take these proactive steps to maintain your health. Enjoying a fulfilling life in your later years is achievable with a little perception, a healthy lifestyle, and regular health checkups with qualified healthcare professionals who specialize in elderly care, including those who study the best online AGNP programs.
Signs and Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
It can be easy to dismiss many symptoms or attribute them to aging, however, there are instances where they shouldn’t be ignored. If you experience a sudden onset of a symptom, or if the symptom has increased in either intensity or frequency, it is time to see a health professional.
Memory difficulties
Occasional forgetfulness is common as people get older and can be considered a normal sign of aging. If, however, you experience sudden or significant memory loss, it could be an indication of another underlying issue, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Some indicators of this may include forgetting familiar names, becoming lost in familiar places, or repeating the same question. Early diagnosis of these conditions can significantly impact the course of the disorder, so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as the signs are realized.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath can be an early sign of a blockage in your arteries that carry blood to your heart. Both partial and complete blockages also have the potential to cause a heart attack, so it is important to seek medical advice if you are experiencing it regularly or without reason (for example, if you have not been exercising or moving excessively). Additional symptoms that may occur alongside shortness of breath include pressure or tightness of the chest, pain in the chest, or dizziness.
Speech, balance, or coordination difficulties
Recognizing the symptoms before a stroke can be difficult, but sudden trouble walking, a loss of balance or coordination, extreme dizziness, speech difficulties, including slurring or words, and weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs are all potential signs of a stroke. Getting medical attention as soon as you are able can help limit or prevent complications that arise from a stroke.
A sudden loss of balance or coordination can be a sign of a stroke.
Mood changes
Mood swings are another common symptom of aging that can be considered ‘normal’ until they increase in consistency or intensity. Prolonged feelings of depression, anxiety, or irritability, a loss of interest in activities, fatigue, and feelings of hopelessness can be indicators of other medical issues like hormonal changes, neurological conditions, or social isolation. Even if these symptoms are not caused by an underlying issue, mental health should be considered of equal importance to physical health, and needs to be addressed.
Skin cuts and lesions that will not heal
As you age, your skin becomes more delicate, and the healing process can take longer. If a lesion or sore lingers for weeks or bleeds without apparent cause, or if a mole or other growth changes in size, shape, or colour, it can point to other issues, including skin cancer, including melanoma, diabetes, or other immune diseases which impact the body’s ability to heal itself. If you are unsure about a wound or growth, reach out to a dermatologist who can help diagnose and provide treatment.
Vaginal bleeding after menopause
Menopause signals the end of a woman’s reproductive years, and typically occurs between the ages of 45-55. From this point, a woman will cease having her period, although post-menopausal bleeding can still occur. In some cases, it is not a sign of anything serious – having sex, for example, can be a cause of non-serious bleeding – but if bleeding occurs without apparent cause, it is important to see a doctor. Some post-menopausal bleeding can be a sign of gynecological cancers, and early intervention is vital to reduce the likelihood of complications.
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Erectile dysfunction occurs more frequently as you age, but can also be associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, increased stress, or depression.
