Aging Defies ‘Normal’ Stereotypes
SHELIA LEWIS
Webster’s Dictionary defines normal as “conforming to the standard or the common type; usual; regular; natural.” We are often quick to dismiss many of the challenges we face day-to-day as “just growing older” or “normal aging.” In fact, the only thing “normal” about aging is that all beings grow older.
As people age, a majority of them remain healthy and independent. In spite of this, some individuals begin to experience changes that are perceived as signs of deterioration or decline. Our society tends to focus on that decline, influencing our perception of “normal.” We should forget stereotypes and look at all people, regardless of age, as unique individuals, each with a particular set of resources and challenges.
As the body ages, it may undergo gradual changes which may or may not be experienced by friends, family or acquaintances. How your body ages may depend on heredity; however, studies show that your lifestyle choices may impact how well your body ages—to the tune of 50% of health risk factors—normal is as normal does.
While the focus of this article is not to further the “normal aging” stereotype, there are some changes in body and function that you may look for as you grow older. Some of these changes may apply to you; others may not:
Hearing and Vision. Changes in the ear may make some sounds harder to hear and changes in tone and speech less clear. Too, over time the lens of eye may become less flexible or develop cataracts. Night vision and visual sharpness may decline and you may experience increased sensitivity to glare.
Skin and Bones. Skin may become less elastic, more lined and wrinkled and/or bruise easily. Oil glands may produce less oil, making the skin drier than before. Over the course of a lifetime, it may be common to lose a couple of inches in height due to changes in posture and compression of joints, spinal bones and spinal discs. Bones may gradually lose some of their mineral content, becoming less dense and strong. In women, bone loss may increase after menopause.
Brain and nervous system. Beginning in mid-life, the brain’s weight, the size of its nerve network and its blood flow may begin to decrease. However, the brain adapts to these changes, growing new patterns of nerve endings. Memory changes are not necessarily common in aging. Recall of names and details may slow and you may have more “tip of the tongue” moments but these may be offset by keeping the brain active throughout the lifespan.
Heart and Lungs. The heart may become less efficient as it ages and may work a little harder than it once did during activity. In inactive people, the lungs may become less efficient over time, supplying the body with less oxygen. For these reasons, among others, physical activity remains important throughout life.
Kidneys. The kidneys may decline in size and function causing wastes and medications to not clear the body as well and decreased tolerance for dehydration. This makes it increasingly important that you minimize alcohol and unnecessary medications and that you drink plenty of fluids.
The aging process may also bring social and emotional change and loss. Inevitably, older relatives and friends may grow frail and die, individuals may lose a spouse. Physical and social losses that may accompany aging may be very difficult emotionally. Grief and sadness are common reactions to such situations, and we cannot and should not try to lessen these reactions. Just as the physical losses of later life may be compensated for, so can the social and emotional losses be overcome with time.
The physical aging process can be influenced in a variety of ways. The bulk of the changes that take place over the years may be strongly affected by physical activity and other lifestyle characteristics. Apart from heredity, people who live in areas with especially long life expectancy have the following characteristics:
By keeping respect for the immense differences between individuals, especially older adults, and not assume or stereotype based on health and function, we all can do a lot to further the “normal is as normal does” philosophy of aging and health.
This information was researched and compiled by Dr. Andrew Crocker, Extension Program Specialist for Gerontology Health.
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