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Dementia is the general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities.

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Aging: What to expect

Wonder what's considered a normal part of the aging process? Here's what to expect as you get older - and what to do about it.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
You know that aging will likely cause wrinkles and gray hair. But do you know how aging will affect your teeth, heart and sexuality? Find out what changes to expect as you continue aging - and how to promote good health at any age.

Your cardiovascular system

What's happening

The most common change in the cardiovascular system is stiffening of the blood vessels and arteries, causing your heart to work harder to pump blood through them. The heart muscles change to adjust to the increased workload. Your heart rate at rest will stay about the same, but it won't increase during activities as much as it used to. These changes increase the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) and other cardiovascular problems.

What you can do

To promote heart health:

Include physical activity in your daily routine. Try walking, swimming or other activities you enjoy. Regular moderate physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your heart disease risk.

Eat a healthy diet. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein, such as fish. Limit foods high in saturated fat and salt.

Don't smoke. Smoking contributes to the hardening of your arteries and increases your blood pressure and heart rate. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, ask your doctor to help you quit.

Manage stress. Stress can take a toll on your heart. Take steps to reduce stress, such as meditation, exercise or talk therapy.

Get enough sleep. Quality sleep plays an important role in the healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels. Aim for seven to nine hours a night.

Your bones, joints and muscles

What's happening

With age, bones tend to shrink in size and density, weakening them and making them more susceptible to fracture. You might even become a bit shorter. Muscles generally lose strength, endurance and flexibility - factors that can affect your coordination, stability and balance.

What you can do

To promote bone, joint and muscle health:

Get adequate amounts of calcium. The National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine recommends at least 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium daily for adults. The recommendation increases to 1,200 mg daily for women age 51 and older and men age 71 and older. Dietary sources of calcium include dairy products, broccoli, kale, salmon and tofu. If you find it difficult to get enough calcium from your diet, ask your doctor about calcium supplements.

Get adequate amounts of vitamin D. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 600 international units for adults up to age 70 and 800 IU for adults over 70. Many people get adequate amounts of vitamin D from sunlight. Other sources include tuna, salmon, eggs, vitamin D-fortified milk and vitamin D supplements.

Include physical activity in your daily routine. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, tennis, climbing stairs and weight training can help you build strong bones and slow bone loss.

Avoid substance abuse. Avoid smoking and limit alcoholic drinks. Ask your doctor about how much alcohol might be safe for your age, sex and general health.

Your digestive system

What's happening

Age-related structural changes in the large intestine can result in more constipation in older adults. Other contributing factors include a lack of exercise, not drinking enough fluids and a low-fiber diet. Medications, such as diuretics and iron supplements, and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, also might contribute to constipation.

What you can do

To prevent constipation:

Your bladder and urinary tract

What's happening

Your bladder may become less elastic as you age, resulting in the need to urinate more often. Weakening of bladder muscles and pelvic floor muscles may make it difficult for you to empty your bladder completely or cause you to lose bladder control (urinary incontinence). In men, an enlarged or inflamed prostate also can cause difficult emptying the bladder and incontinence.

Other factors that contribute to incontinence include being overweight, nerve damage from diabetes, certain medications, and caffeine or alcohol consumption.

What you can do

To promote bladder and urinary tract health:

Go to the toilet regularly. Consider urinating on a regular schedule, such as every hour. Slowly, extend the amount of time between your toilet trips.

Maintain a healthy weight. If you're overweight, lose excess pounds.

Don't smoke. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, ask your doctor to help you quit.

Do Kegel exercises. To exercise your pelvic floor muscles (Kegel exercises), squeeze the muscles you would you use to stop passing gas. Try it for three seconds at a time, and then relax for a count of three. Work up to doing the exercise 10 to 15 times in a row, at least three times a day.

Avoid bladder irritants. Caffeine, acidic foods, alcohol and carbonated beverages can make incontinence worse.

Avoid constipation. Eat more fiber and take other steps to avoid constipation, which can worsen incontinence.

Your memory and thinking skills

What's happening

Your brain undergoes changes as you age that may have minor effects on your memory or thinking skills. For example, healthy older adults might forget familiar names or words, or they may find it more difficult to multitask.

What you can do

You can promote cognitive health by taking the following steps:

Include physical activity in your daily routine. Physical activity increases blood flow to your whole body, including your brain. Studies suggest regular exercise is associated with better brain function and reduces stress and depression - factors that affect memory.

Eat a healthy diet. A heart-healthy diet may benefit your brain. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choose low-fat protein sources, such as fish, lean meat and skinless poultry. Too much alcohol can lead to confusion and memory loss.

Stay mentally active. Staying mentally active may help sustain your memory and thinking skills. You can read, play word games, take up a new hobby, take classes, or learn to play an instrument.

Be social. Social interaction helps ward off depression and stress, which can contribute to memory loss. You might volunteer at a local school or nonprofit, spend time with family and friends, or attend social events.

Treat cardiovascular disease. Follow your doctor's recommendations to manage cardiovascular risk factors - high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes - that may increase the risk of cognitive decline.

Quit smoking. If you smoke, quitting smoking may help your cognitive health.

If you're concerned about memory loss or other changes in your thinking skills, talk to your doctor.

Your eyes and ears

What's happening

With age, you might have difficulty focusing on objects that are close up. You might become more sensitive to glare and have trouble adapting to different levels of light. Aging also can affect your eye's lens, causing clouded vision (cataracts).

Your hearing also might diminish. You might have difficulty hearing high frequencies or following a conversation in a crowded room.

What you can do

To promote eye and ear health:

Schedule regular checkups. Follow your doctor's advice about glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and other corrective devices.

Take precautions. Wear sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat when you're outdoors, and use earplugs when you're around loud machinery or other loud noises.

Your teeth

What's happening

Your gums might pull back from your teeth. Certain medications, such as those that treat allergies, asthma, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, also can cause dry mouth. As a result, your teeth and gums might become slightly more vulnerable to decay and infection.

What you can do

To promote oral health:

Brush and floss. Brush your teeth twice a day, and clean between your teeth - using regular dental floss or an interdental cleaner - once a day.

Schedule regular checkups. Visit your dentist or dental hygienist for regular dental checkups.

Your skin

What's happening

With age, your skin thins and becomes less elastic and more fragile, and fatty tissue just below the skin decreases. You might notice that you bruise more easily. Decreased production of natural oils might make your skin drier. Wrinkles, age spots and small growths called skin tags are more common.

What you can do

To promote healthy skin:

Your weight

What's happening

How your body burns calories (metabolism) slows down as you age. If you decrease activities as you age, but continue to eat the same as usual, you'll gain weight. To maintain a healthy weight, stay active and eat healthy.

What you can do

To maintain a healthy weight:

Your sexuality

What's happening

With age, sexual needs and performance might change. Illness or medication might affect your ability to enjoy sex. For women, vaginal dryness can make sex uncomfortable. For men, impotence might become a concern. It might take longer to get an erection, and erections might not be as firm as they used to be.

What you can do

To promote your sexual health:

You can't stop the aging process, but you can make choices that improve your ability to maintain an active life, to do the things you enjoy, and to spend time with loved ones.

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Show references

1. Heart health and aging. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/heart-health-and-aging. Accessed Oct. 16, 2018.

2. Strait JB, et al. Aging-associated cardiovascular changes and their relationship to heart failure. Heart Failure Clinics. 2012;8:143.

3. Sleep deprivation and deficiency. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sleep-deprivation-and-deficiency. Accessed Oct. 16, 2018.

4. Osteoporosis overview. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/osteoporosis/overview. Accessed Oct. 16, 2018.

5. Physical changes with aging. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/geriatrics/approach-to-the-geriatric-patient/physical-changes-with-aging. Accessed Oct. 16, 2018.

6. Report brief: Dietary reference intakes for calcium and vitamin D. National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. http://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/Reports/2010/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Calcium-and-Vitamin-D/Report-Brief.aspx. Accessed Oct. 18, 2018.

7. Calcium: Fact sheet for health professionals. National Institutes of Health. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/. Accessed Oct. 18, 2018.

8. Vitamin D: Fact sheet for health professionals. National Institutes of Health. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/. Accessed Oct. 18, 2018.

9. Concerned about constipation. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/concerned-about-constipation. Oct. 16, 2018.

10. Taffet GE. Normal aging. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 16, 2018.

11. Urinary incontinence in older adults. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/urinary-incontinence-older-adults. Accessed Oct. 16, 2018.

12. Kegel exercises. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kegel-exercises. Accessed Oct. 23, 2018.

13. Forgetfulness: Knowing when to ask for help. National Institute on Aging. https://order.nia.nih.gov/publication/forgetfulness-knowing-when-to-ask-for-help. Accessed Oct. 16, 2018.

14. Cognitive health and older adults. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults. Accessed Oct. 23, 2018.

15. Aging and your eyes. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-and-your-eyes. Accessed Oct. 16, 2018.

16. Hearing loss: A common problem with older adults. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults. Accessed Oct. 16, 2018.

17. Mark AM. Oral health concerns for older adults. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2016;147:156.

18. Skin care and aging. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging. Accessed Oct. 16, 2018.

19. Maintaining a healthy weight. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/maintaining-healthy-weight. Accessed Oct. 23, 2018.

20. Sexuality in later life. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sexuality-later-life. Accessed Oct. 16, 2018.

21. Masiero S, et al., eds. Physical activity and sexual function in older people. In: Rehabilitation Medicine for Elderly Patients. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing AG; 2018.

22. Brain basics: Understanding sleep. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/understanding_sleep.htm. Accessed Nov. 12, 2018.

See more In-depth

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Understand the natural changes that come with aging.

# data[].attributes.body
certain parts of the brain shrinks, including those important to learning and other complex mental activities

bones tend to shrink in size and density, weakening hem and making them more susceptible to fracture.

muscles generally lose strength, endurance and flexibility

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Older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness and isolation, which can have a serious affect on their health. people can become socially isolated for a variety of different reasons, such as getting older or weaker, leaving a workplace after a long period of time, not having family around often, deaths of loved ones, or because of illness and disease.
Its easy to feel left alone, and when alone you can feel more vulnerable, which can then lead to other illnesses such as depression or a serious decline in physical health and mental wellbeing.
Someone who is alone can find it hard to reach out to someone, due to pride and not wanting to become dependant on anyone. This leads to most older people becoming lonely, and them feeling as though they can't ask for help because of the stigma surrounding the topic of loneliness.

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Older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation - and it can have a serious effect on health. But there are ways to overcome loneliness, even if you live alone and find it hard to get out.
Hundreds of thousands of elderly people are lonely and cut off from society in this country, especially those over the age of 75.

According to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member.

People can become socially isolated for a variety of reasons, such as getting older or weaker, no longer being the hub of their family, leaving the workplace, the deaths of spouses and friends, or through disability or illness.

Whatever the cause, it's shockingly easy to be left feeling alone and vulnerable, which can lead to depression and a serious decline in physical health and wellbeing.

Someone who's lonely probably also finds it hard to reach out. There's a stigma surrounding loneliness, and older people tend not to ask for help because they have too much pride.

It's important to remember loneliness can - and does - affect anyone, of any age.

Here are ways for older people to connect with others, and feel useful and appreciated again.

Smile, even if it feels hard

Grab every chance to smile at others or begin a conversation - for instance, with the cashier at the shop or the person next to you in the GP waiting room.

If you're shy or not sure what to say, try asking people about themselves.

Invite friends for tea

If you're feeling down and alone, it's tempting to think nobody wants to visit you. But often friends, family and neighbours will appreciate receiving an invitation to come and spend some time with you.

If you'd prefer for someone else to host, Re-engage is a charity that holds regular free Sunday afternoon tea parties for people over the age of 75 who live alone.

You'll be collected from your home and driven to a volunteer host's home for the afternoon. Apply online or call Re-engage on 0800 716 543.

Keep in touch by phone

Having a chat with a friend or relative over the phone can be the next best thing to being with them.

Or you can call The Silver Line, a helpline for older people set up by Esther Rantzen, on 0800 470 8090.

You can also call Independent Age on 0800 319 6789 or Age UK on 0800 678 1602.

Learn to love computers

If your friends and family live far away, a good way to stay in touch, especially with grandchildren, is by using a personal computer, smartphone or tablet.

You can share emails and photos with family and friends, have free video chats using services such as Skype, Zoom, FaceTime or Viber, and make new online "friends" or reconnect with old friends on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and website forums.

A smartphone or tablet can be especially useful if you can't get around very easily, as you can sit with it on your knee or close to hand and the screen is clear and bright.

A sponge-tip stylus pen or speech recognition may help if the touchscreen is difficult for arthritic hands or fingers with poor circulation.

Libraries and community centres often hold regular training courses for older people to learn basic computer skills - as well as being a good place to meet and spend time with others in their own right.

Age UK has more advice about making the most of the internet.

Get involved in local community activities

These will vary according to where you live, but the chances are you'll have access to a singing or walking group, book clubs, bridge, bingo, quiz nights and faith groups.

Not to mention local branches of regional and national organisations that hold social events, such as the Women's Institute and Re-engage.

The Silver Line helpline (0800 470 8090) can let you know what's going on in your local area.

Fill your diary

It can help you feel less lonely if you plan the week ahead and put things in your diary to look forward to each day, such as a walk in the park or going to a local coffee shop, library, sports centre, cinema or museum.

Independent Age has published a guide about what to do if you're feeling lonely, which includes tips about activities you could try.

Download If you're feeling lonely: how to stay connected in older age (PDF, 2.97Mb) or order a free print copy by calling 0800 319 6789, or email advice@independentage.org.

Get out and about

Don't wait for people to come and see you - travel to visit them.

One advantage of being older is that public transport is better value. Local bus travel is free for older people across England (though remoter areas may have more limited bus services).

The age at which you can apply for your free bus pass depends on when you were born and where you live.

Contact your local authority for more information on how to apply.

Use this State Pension calculator to find out the exact date when you can apply for your free bus pass.

For longer distances, you may be able to save money on train and coach travel by booking in advance online. If you do travel by train often then paying for a Senior Railcard may help you save money in the long-term.

The Royal Voluntary Service can put you in touch with volunteers who provide free transport for older people with mobility issues or who live in rural areas with limited public transport.

Help others

Use the knowledge and experience you have gained over a lifetime to give something back to your community.

You'll get lots back in return, such as new skills and confidence - and, hopefully, some new friends, too.

There are endless volunteering opportunities that relish the qualities and skills of older people, such as patience, experience and calmness.

Examples are  Home-Start,  Sure Start, helping in a local charity shop or hospital or with a school reading programme. You can also volunteer to help the Citizens Advice charity in a range of activities.
Find out  how to volunteer in your area on the NCVO website

Join the University of the Third Age

The University of the Third Age (U3A) operates in many areas, offering older people the chance to learn or do something new.

Run by volunteers, U3A has no exams. Instead, it gives you the chance to do, play or learn something you may never have done before, or something you haven't considered since your school days.

U3A is also a great place to meet people and make new friends.
Find your nearest U3A

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Older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation - and it can have a serious effect on health. But there are ways to overcome loneliness, even if you live alone and find it hard to get out.

# data[].attributes.headline
Mental health concerns that may arise during later adulthood

# data[].attributes.subject
Mental health concerns that may arise during later adulthood

# data[].attributes.body
During retirement, people may struggle with feelings of loneliness due to isolation and loss of role. Bereavement can also play a role in feelings of loneliness. This can contribute to feeling low and depressed, anxious, and result in lower self esteem and further withdrawal and isolation. It is important to try and get involved in local clubs and activities and to keep active as these can be beneficial to you mentally

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How physical problems arise in older age

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How physical problems arise in older age

# data[].attributes.body
Age
The strongest risk factor for dementia is increasing age

Family history
Those who have parents or siblings with dementia are more likely to develop dementia themselves.

Race/ethnicity
Older African Americans are twice more likely to have dementia than whites. Hispanics 1.5 times more likely to have dementia than whites.

Poor heart health
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking increase the risk of dementia if not treated properly.

Traumatic brain injury
Head injuries can increase the risk of dementia, especially if they are severe or occur repeatedly.

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People with dementia have problems with:

memory

attention

communication

reasoning, judgment, and problem solving

signs that point to dementia:

getting lost in familiar enviroments

using unusual words to refer to familiar objects

forgetting the name of a close family member or friend

forgetting old memories

not being able to complete tasks independently

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Physical changes regarding later adulthood

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Physical changes regarding later adulthood

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Changes:
- changes in the skin and hair

This means that the skin will thin and become more frail, and begin to wrinkle. Your hair will also thin and fall out, causing balding. Hair will also turn grey

- mobility problems

Mobility issues are caused by a lack of physical activity and more frail bones. Chronic diseases can impact mobility too, such as arthritis

- hearing loss

Age related hearing loss is called presbycusis which may occur because of changes in the inner ear and auditory nerve, which relays signals from the ear to the brain

- eye sight difficulty

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of permanent sight loss. It damages the central vision of the eye, causing problems with reading, writing and other close work

- height and weight

A total of 1 to 3 inches in height is lost with aging. Changes in body weight vary for men and woman. Men often gain weight until they are in their 50s, and then begin to lose weight later in life, possibly related to a drop in the male sex hormone testosterone

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As people age from middle adulthood to later adulthood they have less of a role to protect and care for their children as they would have gone through early adulthood. However, they may spend time with their grandchildren. They also would have retired if they were 65 or older, meaning they would not work as often. Dependency is key during this time as they may spend a lot of time alone and need to know how to look after themselves correctly, or even have a carer, meaning their roles would have been changed

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As people in reach their later adulthood they may begin to loose close friends or parents who were older than them. This can be difficult. They may also struggle to live alone and have less immediate care for them if a partner had also passed away

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Chronic health problems that may arise with age

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Chronic health problems that may arise with age

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Ageing increases the risk of chronic diseases, such as: dementia, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and cancer.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the most common chronic illness, which also increases the risk of other health issues such as strokes and heart attacks.