Not so long ago, you could dance and party till dawn, stay up all night, or go on long hikes, but today, your knees crack when you get out of bed, and you can’t go a day without a nap. Although 40 is considered a young age today, the body can already start to show the first signs of aging. For years, we "wear out" our bodies daily, and sooner or later, we’ll feel it, even if we’re still young at heart.
Memory problems? Best to monitor it
It’s normal for cognitive abilities to decline with age. The brain begins aging around the age of 55, and while this doesn’t mean we’ll lose all our knowledge and intelligence overnight, we may connect the dots more slowly or forget recent events. It’s wise to be screened for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. However, not every forgetful moment is a sign of illness. It’s perfectly normal to remember more about our youth and childhood than what happened a month ago. Walnuts can also be a helpful snack. A healthy diet may slow brain aging, although puzzles and crosswords don’t guarantee it. They’re a great pastime, but no research confirms their effectiveness in this area.
Can’t read without glasses? It’s inevitable
Vision is deteriorating faster in today’s world. Frequent exposure to artificial light from screens doesn’t help preserve our sight. Over time, reading books and newspapers will become difficult, and glasses are likely in store for everyone. Regular eye exams can catch problems early, so intervention can slow further decline.
Feeling creaky in the morning? Joints are often the first to "wear out"
Our joints bear our weight every day. These tiny pieces of cartilage are stressed and impacted over time (those who have bruised a knee or elbow know what that’s like), and they wear out quickly. Collagen fibers and tissues around the joints also degrade, affecting mobility and movement. Ironically, joints need activity to stay healthy. People who exercise regularly (at a recreational level, as professional sports can strain the body) maintain mobility longer. The right type of movement "lubricates" our cartilage and slows aging. Remember, however, that recovery is equally essential.
Take care of your heart. Don’t ignore any symptoms
With age, the risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases increases, and blood pressure worsens, often making older people feel colder. Medication and more frequent doctor visits may become necessary. Many seniors suffer from arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation, and the first symptoms can appear even before 50. Monitoring our pulse and visiting cardiologists can help with early treatment.
Hormonal changes. Menopause and andropause can be challenging
Later years bring hormonal shifts as our glands produce fewer hormones, which may increase susceptibility to autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes. Women over 40 increasingly face conditions like hypothyroidism due to reduced thyroxine production, alongside fertility issues and eventually menopause, bringing symptoms like headaches, hot flashes, and arrhythmia.
Hormonal issues also affect men. They face andropause, with symptoms such as sleep issues, fatigue, and even impotence. Both men and women should monitor these symptoms, so regular endocrinologist visits may be in order. It’s best to start caring for these issues early, even before health problems arise. Prevention is better than cure.
