Aging is an irreversible part of life, but knowing more about it makes you better prepared for it. Here are some facts and statistics related to aging that may surprise you
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Aging is a standard and irreversible part of life, and a person can get wrinkles, pores, fine lines, and pigmentation with aging. Aging does not happen because of getting older, but it happens due to sunlight and UV light exposure.
Many facts you may not know about aging and measures are available for a person to reduce aging. Some people put in the effort at an early age and enjoy the result in their old age. Some people prevent aging using proper diet, sleep, and exercise. However, some people use cosmetics and other means to reduce aging symptoms.
What Is Aging?
Aging is a natural phenomenon in which a person’s skin gets damaged and forms wrinkles and fine lines because of the slowdown in natural formation of new cells in the body. With aging, people can develop other kinds of traits. 16% of people are 65 or above in the US, and all of them have undergone aging to some extent.
14 Unique Facts About Aging
With aging, people get lots of practical knowledge.
When people age 65 or 70, they get enough life experience that they can now use. Older people with age become wiser and gain crystallized intelligence.
Most older adults share their knowledge and experiences with teenagers and adults so they can achieve a better future. Most people are surprised by how knowledgeable seniors are and ask them for advice on their lives or health issues. Older adults also have many health remedies that can help younger people.
People get nicer with age.
Many people don’t turn into grumpy old men or women when they get old. Most people are likely to become friendlier and more agreeable as they age. People who are 60 or more will probably be happier and less triggered to get angry.
Researchers have not yet found any solid evidence that shows why exactly it happens. People become more aware of their emotions and might control them and think rationally simultaneously. With a happy mood, older people can improve their quality of life.
Play well with others
People in their 40s are more likely to be at par with other people’s emotions. When people get old, they better understand how others feel through their experiences. The ability to determine how others think and feel; helps older adults get along with their spouses, children, and coworkers.
It also allows people to create strong bonds with the person they just met. When you get older, you can also develop this insight that can help you in different stages of life.
Better Sex quality
According to a study, women aged 40 and over mentioned that their sexual satisfaction improved with age. However, older women have sex less frequently than younger self. Women over 80 are more satisfied during sex than those who fall between 55 and 79.
Men also feel satisfied during sex; intercourse is suitable for an older person’s health. It can make an adult look a little younger and increase life.
Hair growth at unusual places
When you grow old, you may notice that the hair on your head starts to disappear; in contrast, you can also find other parts where hair grows. In many older men, the hair grows inside the nose and ears.
In some people, hair is genetic and, in some, it is due to hormonal change. Some older women also find tiny hairs on their chins. Falling of hair indicated aging caused by the difference in hormones.
Older people may lose their sense of taste.
As people get old, they lose their sense of smell and taste because of medications and medical illnesses. Some allergies and medical conditions can change your sense of taste including, flu, colds, and gum disease.
If you want to improve your taste, you can use some olive oil, spice, and herbs such as garlic, onion, and rosemary. You can also use pepper and mustard but avoid using salt. Before using any food ingredients, check their benefits.
An older adult may become a morning person with age.
Getting older may also give you an excellent chance to help you become a morning person. Most people like to wake up early in the morning, but they can’t achieve their goals because of the horrible sleeping cycle.
As people grow old, they shift their sleeping patterns and start going to bed earlier and wake up earlier. However, some people experience trouble sleeping as they get near around 65. Some older adults tend to wake up late during the night, but most of the majority of people get a good night’s sleep.
Say goodbye to Migraines.
Thanks to aging, most people experience fewer migraines as they hit their 70s. According to a study, only 5% of men and 10% of women in the 70s report migraines. The people who experience migraines state headache as a sensory or visual disturbance with hardly any pain. You may not share a headache as you age. You can avoid other health issues with a proper diet as you grow old.
Longevity through a job
Much evidence shows that doing activities or continuing your job after retirement keeps you healthy and contributes to a long life. People with early retirement often risk their health. You should avoid becoming free as you grow old.
Instead, you can participate in fun activities or create your second career. A study shows that people who worked hard at their jobs in the past enjoy and live a long life. You can stick around your good friend and perform community activities with your spouse.
Self-confidence
As people grow in age, they also develop their knowledge, wealth, good health, and employment. This sense of achievement can build self-esteem in a person. But after a person crosses 60, the self-confidence takes a dip due to many reasons.
As people grow old, they develop health issues. Many adults begin to search for a new sense of purpose after retirement. Older people may change their behavior as their life spans increase and they get older.
Older adults experience less stress.
According to a report from the APA (American Psychological Association), people who are 65 or older experience less stress than most young adults. With fewer stress reports, older adults can maintain their physical and mental health. However, some people are still vulnerable to stress and other mental issues. In the United States, the problem of health care costs still crops up. However, most people are doing fine to manage their overall health.
Adults get shorter as they age.
Getting older also means getting shorter. As you grow older, you are likely to tend to lose bone density. The space between your vertebrae bones gets closer due to less bone density. Shortening of bone leads to shortening of the whole body.
This reduction in bone density is why people get shorter as they age. According to statistics, people get one inch shorter in old age.
People may develop a fear of falling.
As people grow old, they develop some sort of falling fear. People start worrying about breaking their bones or getting injured as they age.
According to a study, one in three older adults has a fear of falling. More people above 65 are scared of losing as falls are fatal and can lead to severe injuries. You can work on your anxiety by following your healthcare provider’s remedies to make your house fall-proof.
Strength in numbers
22% population of America is older than 60. Most adults aged 60 or over participate in ballot voting. Older adults are great in number, which means they have more power when voting on Social Security, Medicare, and health care costs.
However, older people are more likely to get involved with COVID-19 and die, so doctors advise older adults to get vaccinated to secure their life.
Read: Alzheimer’s Statistics
What things help you stay healthy as an older adult?
Exercise and physical activities
Exercise is good for every age. Some people may love training while some people may hate it. Most people consider exercise and certain physical activities as a cornerstone of a healthy aging program. Many evidence shows that regular exercising can help people stay fit and live longer.
Some physical activities such as walking your dog, gardening, swimming, and taking stairs instead of using the elevator help maintain your health and well-being.
Exercise and physical activity are effective in reducing the risk of developing many diseases and medical conditions.
Activities that you enjoy
Doing something or an activity you enjoy can boost your mood and help you relax. According to a study, generous, friendly, and goal-oriented people will experience a lower level of depression and a higher level of happiness than other people. You can become social by involving in hobbies and social activities or group projects. More evidence suggests that people who take part in social activities such as playing games, attending local events, and any group activity can make them live longer.
Healthy food and proper diet
Many people follow their diet from an early age. According to one study, researchers analyze dietary patterns and their influence on BMI and waist circumference.
With age, people start losing essential nutrients in their bodies. Older adults should follow a proper diet, including healthy food, to fill the deficiency of vitamins and other nutrients.
Pay attention to your shape and weight.
When you get older, you may find a drastic change in your body shape and weight. Most people become obese. Doctors say that obese and overweight people are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. You should pay attention to your shape as you age.
What Is Photoaging?
Photoaging occurs due to the damaging of skin cells because of high exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun. Photoaging of skin results from exposure to sunlight a person has throughout their life.
The UV rays that penetrate the skin consist of 2 waves, UVA and UVB. Generally, a small beam of UV rays hits the skin, penetrates the skin cell, and damages the DNA.
A person’s body responds to UV rays and produces melanin to cover the skin and protect it from further damage. The cause of photoaging is 90% UV rays and 10% composed of infrared light and HEV. Sun exposure can lead to melasma, a condition in which a person develops grayish-brown patches on their skin.
How Can You Prevent Photoaging?
Experts advise you to wear sunscreen when you go out in the sun. You can wear sunscreen every day so you can avoid the signs of aging. Doctors recommend using sunscreen containing titanium oxide or zinc oxide, or both.
If you notice any sign of aging, you should use the ultimate skincare products that help reverse sun damage. You can use food products containing nutrients such as vitamin C and E to protect you from sun damage.
Green tea has an excellent antioxidant property that helps people stabilize their skin and brighten their dark spots.
Alliance Aging Research
Alliance Aging is the leading nonprofit organization that aims to provide people with health concern education and accelerate aging research and the pace of scientific discoveries.
The Alliance for Aging Research believes that promoting the knowledge and awareness of scientific findings will help in improving the universal human experience of aging and health.
With the help of research and statistics, people can live longer, happier, healthier, and more productive lives. It also aims to provide people with less costly healthcare over the long term.
For more than 30 years, since the Alliance was established, it has made significant efforts to increase funding and studies aging and health issues. It also improves the prevention of many age-related diseases.
The Alliance created many award-winning methods and educational materials for improving the overall health of older adults, their families, and caregivers.
Wrapping up
The statistics and the studies solely aim to provide adults with better health and well-being.
Older adults can benefit from the advanced research and educational material that help prevent many chronic diseases and provide a healthy life.
