There is something freaky about aging. I confess, when I was 20ish, I fear aging. I even went as far as praying to God to just go and get me before the skin under my chin sag. Or before I develop “bat wings” (you know, that embarrassing skin hanging right next to the armpit?) I firmly believe it was all vanity then as I have reached this age and not doing bad at all.
Understandably, as the body ages, there are also notable changes in your body. Some may come as a surprise while others are a lot common than what you think. A good precursor would be your mom, or your grannies on either sides, or anyone in the family much older than you. Take some time to analyze how they aged, what physical characteristics they share now that they are old and what illnesses and diseases they now have – you need to take note of these things as there is a huge chance you’ll get them too! Me, I did this one time before hitting 40 then adjusted my lifestyle according to my discoveries. Such as, bat wings that my mom and maternal aunts share – I hit the gym and worked on my arms as early as 35 while the skin around my arms were still elastic. It was more of a prevention on my part.
Here are some of the common bodily changes as you age:
· Declining brain activity. It was said that the brain is at its peak at mid-twenties, then after than it starts to decline. You will suddenly find yourself forgetting things or grasping for words to say at times. To combat this, you need to give your mind some exercise regularly. Puzzles help as well as reading.
· Eye changes. First off, your eye pupils will become a little less responsive each day as soon as you hit your 30s – sometimes starting a lot younger. They will also be producing lesser tears thus making your eyes drier and itchy. Other eye problems such as declining peripheral vision and clouding of eyes will soon be noticeable.
· Graying and thinning of hair. This is primarily because of the changes in our scalps. Graying is caused by diminishing melanin production.
· Changes in your ear. The eardrums are expected to thicken as we age. Also, past damages are most likely to show effects later in life.
· Wrinkly, saggy skin. This is because the connective tissues are no longer elastic and the skin is no longer producing enough oil to keep it moisturized.
· Changes inside the body. Your heart, bones and muscles are the first ones to give way when the body ages.