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Mind, Body, Soul
A
Valentine's Day Present!
By Mona Lease
Greetings, Gals!! I thought I'd share the following with you. It's a
little "fat-free food for thought."
Ways You Didn't Know Your Body Changes After 50 - Holly Van Hare, The
Daily Meal, 12/4/2018
With age you gain wisdom, strength, and experience. You develop
meaningful relationships and watch those around you grow. You begin to
discover what you find most important.
Many of the changes that come with old age you probably already know.
Your metabolism slows. You are more susceptible to high blood pressure
and heart disease. You know not to overdo the salt intake. You limit
foods that cause your cholesterol to soar.
You get wrinkles and your hair might turn gray. Everyone experiences
aging differently. But there are things happening biologically that
cause these visual changes. Other changes are completely invisible,
happening in your brain or at a cellular level.
As you pass through to the second half of a century, you will start to
feel different. You may find yourself becoming tired more easily.
Here are some of the lesser-known ways your body changes after you turn
50.
Slow Collagen Production: Collagen is a protein made by your body to
keep your skin firm and elastic. As you age, your body slows it's
production of collagen. Companies sell collagen supplements to slow
down the aging of your skin. No one know if they really work.
Dry Skin: Your skin becomes thinner as you age. As a result, your skin
becomes drier and more fragile. You can counteract this by drinking
more water. And by eating hydrating foods.
Menopause and Andropause: Around age 50, a woman's body begins to
produce lower amounts of estrogen and progesterone. They produce a
higher amount of the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Many women
experience side effects such as insomnia, hot flashes, decreased sex
drive, depression, and mood swings. Some men experience hormonal
changes as well. Approximately 20% of men over 60 experience
andropause. This is characterized by a decrease in testosterone
production. The symptoms include lowered energy levels, depression,
decreased muscle strength, and decreased sex drive...among others.
Lower Bone Density: This is especially prevalent in women. Dips in
estrogen can cause a loss of bone density, putting women over 50 at
risk for osteoporosis. Low bone density is quite common, affecting 54
million Americans. One out of every two women over the age of 50 are
likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis. Smoking, inactivity, and
high alcohol consumption can adversely affect bone health. One of the
most impactful lifestyle choices that can reduce the risk of
osteoporosis is committing to a well-balanced diet.
Thinning Hair: In addition to graying hair, hair may become thinner and
more brittle. Hair pigment cells are not as efficiently produced as
when you were younger and neither is collagen (a protein used to build
hair, skin, and nail cells). Eat foods with the nutrients your hair
needs to stay strong and healthy.
Difficulty Sleeping: Changes in sleep patterns are a normal part of the
aging process. As you age, you are likely to sleep less soundly and
less consistently.
Slower Heart Rate: As you age, your maximum heart rate (fastest rate at
which your heart is able to go) decreases. Intense cardio workouts
might be out for you, but there are other exercise forms.
Decreased Bladder Control: The muscles in your pelvis get weaker as you
get older, which may result in urinary incontinence. This is especially
common in women. There are ways to prevent and treat this condition.
See your Doctor.
Shrinking Stature: You really do shrink with age. At age 40, the disks
between the vertebrae in the spine begin to dry and thin. People
typically lose 1/10 of an inch every 10 years.
Worsened Night Vision: In addition to needing reading glasses, you
might need more light to see once you reach age 50. This might be a
special concern to people who are used to driving at night.
Dry Eyes: The tear glands in your eyes produce fewer tears as you get
older. This can cause dry, itchy eyes. Women are especially likely to
experience this effect of aging largely due to hormonal changes.
Limited Color Perception: Even if you were never colorblind, you might
lose your ability to tell apart certain hues once you pass 50. The
clear lens of your eye may begin to discolor, interfering with your
perception of colors through the eye.
Different-Smelling Sweat: There's actually biological reasoning behind
the rumor "old people" smell. As you age, your hormonal changes cause a
difference in your sweat composition. Some studies show that age
increases the production of 2-nonenal, a compound that contributes to
body odor.
Diminishing Sense of Taste: Your taste buds might dull over time, but
not because of the taste buds themselves. This change is due to your
sense of smell, which plays a large role in your ability to taste food.
Medications can have side effects that interfere with taste.
Weight Gain: You're likely to put on a bit of weight as you age. A few
extra pounds may be protective against age-related diseases. It's
important to keep in mind that healthy lifestyle habits are likely
beneficial, but attempting to lose weight through other methods, may do
more harm to your health than good. There are some weight loss tactics
you just shouldn't try if you're past a certain age. Some of these
include "skipping meals." Don't do it. It stresses your body. "Avoiding
dairy." Don't, unless you are lactose intolerant. "Cut carbs." Fiber is
a must after 40. Most people require 25-30 grams of soluble fiber every
day to lower cholesterol.
I always said I was not going to grow old gracefully. I'd fight it
every step of the way. Now, I've got a few "friends" in the above to
help me! Feel free to try them. Keep reaching!! Keep stretching!!
"Sometimes all you need is for someone to just be there, even if they
can't solve your problems. Just knowing there is someone who cares can
make all the difference." - sun.gazing.com
The best is yet to be!! MONA
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