Growing older is an inevitability. It cannot be avoided, and the effects that go along with it are likewise impossible to avoid.
However, that does not mean that there aren’t ways to mitigate the effects of aging. There are many health-conscious strategies that you can partake in to give your body the best chance of aging gracefully. The key is to know when to start and what to do.
Aging impacts people at different times. Some might start to feel the effects as early as their late twenties, experiencing chronic pains or discomfort throughout their body. Others may not feel many adverse effects until they are in their forties. Often, it depends on genetics and lifestyle choices.
Knowing when your body is starting to decline can be the most effective defense against the effects of aging. Noticing the signs early on can help you take steps to make healthy choices that support your wellness. Here are a few signs of aging that you should watch for to guide your health-related decisions.
Tooth Decay
Your mouth comes into contact with a lot of foreign bacteria and chemicals because of breathing, eating, and drinking. It is one of the main entry points into the body, which makes it vulnerable when weakened due to aging.
Tooth decay is often one of the first indicators that your oral health is starting to go downhill. If you start noticing that your teeth are discolored, more sensitive, or there are other issues, then you should schedule a visit to the dentist as soon as possible.
Oral care is very important, and there is a high potential for gum disease or losing your teeth if you ignore any signs of decay.
Hair Loss
Hair follicles are particularly vulnerable to aging. As you get older, your hair can get thinner, turn white or gray, and start to fall out without the follicles producing new hairs to replace it.
Noticeable hair loss is often the first sign that your body is starting to experience aging, though there could be multiple causes for hair loss.
If you want to slow down this symptom, you could start exercising more, drinking more water, and eating a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals that can support scalp health.
Wrinkles
Skin is an important organ in your body. It keeps all your tissues, muscles, and organs in a self-contained environment while also serving as the first line of defense against foreign contaminants like bacteria. Maintaining this skin barrier is essential.
One sign that your skin is starting to decline is the presence of wrinkles.
This can happen around your eyes in the form of crow’s feet, around your mouth, on the forehead, and in other locations.
While there are cosmetic steps you can take to reduce wrinkles, the best way to address this aging symptom is with more water, moisturizing, and a good diet.
Cognitive Decline
The brain often experiences some of the most severe consequences of aging. Memory becomes more difficult, as well as other functions performed by the brain.
As the connections in your brain start to deteriorate, it is important to recognize these effects and take steps to maintain brain health going forward. Eat a healthy diet that consists of leafy greens, walnuts, berries, and other brain-boosting superfoods.
Support healthy brain aging with supplements that can be paired with a balanced diet. Participate in stimulating activities like social interactions, hobbies, or educational opportunities.
Cardiovascular Activity
The heart is the engine of the body. It is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body via arteries and veins, transporting nutrients to the cells that need them while eliminating waste. As you get older, your blood vessels tend to stiffen, making it more difficult for the blood to be pumped throughout the body.
This can become evident with a normal resting heart rate, but not much of an increase during physical activity. This could be a sign of hardening blood vessels, which can lead to high blood pressure and other problems.
If you ever discover that you have higher blood pressure than normal, you should schedule a checkup to see if there are steps you can take to promote cardiovascular health. This is just one of many signs of aging that you should know about.
Support Your Long-Term Health Now
While aging cannot be avoided, leading a healthy lifestyle now can reduce or delay the symptoms that you will experience. In general, eating right is one of the most important goals that you should have to achieve longevity.
Additionally, those with an active lifestyle are more likely to maintain independence as they get older. Get a good amount of sleep each night, drink a lot of water, and avoid harmful habits like smoking or drinking excessively.
Watch out for some of these early signs of aging so that you know when it is time to get serious about your health.
