These Seven Things Creep Up On You As You Age

Getting older may come with unwanted surprises. Here are some of them.

Each stage of life comes with new possibilities as well as unexpected challenges. “Many of the changes we experience as we age are good–we learn new things, meet new people, and master new skills. But some of the changes that occur over the years are less than desirable,” said Sy Oang DO, an internal medicine doctor at PIH Health Whittwood medical office building in Whittier.

“As we age,” continued Dr. Oang, “we may experience health issues and other changes to our bodies and minds that are unexpected and unwanted.”

Here are some surprising things that may happen to you as you age:

1. You may gain weight. Even if you try to do everything right–eat well and exercise regularly, you may find that the scale starts creeping up. This is partly because you lose muscle as you age, which slows your metabolism. Hormonal changes may also contribute to unwanted weight gain. Many people are also less active than they used to be, so they burn fewer calories. Dr. Oang recommends, “Try cutting out unhealthy snacks and taking regular walks, especially after a meal. It helps reduce blood sugar levels and decrease the risk of diabetes.”
2. You may not get all the vitamins you need. Many people don’t eat as much as they used to as they get older, and their diets may not be as varied. This can result in a lack of important nutrients. Your body may also not absorb nutrients as well, such as vitamin B12 or vitamin D. Taking a daily multivitamin can help.
3. You may have balance issues. As you age, you may be less steady on your feet. This may be due to a loss of muscle strength and flexibility, weaker bones, circulation issues, inner ear or vision problems and side effects from medications. According to Dr. Oang, “Balance problems are a concern because they may cause falls, which are the leading cause of serious injury in older adults.”
4. You may find it harder to sleep. Although you may be more tired than you were when you were younger, sleep may be more elusive. Your sleep-wake patterns may change, causing you to get tired earlier in the evening and wake earlier in the morning. You may also have more difficulty falling or staying asleep. This may be due to health conditions or medication side effects.
5. You may have more aches and pains. Many older adults find that parts of their body hurt for no apparent reason. In some cases, arthritis is to blame, making joints feel stiff and painful. Ask anyone over age 50 how they feel and they’re likely to tell you about at least one part of their body that hurts or doesn’t work as well as it used to.
6. You may not bounce back as easily when you’re sick. As you age, your immune system isn’t as strong as it used to be. That’s why you’re more likely to experience complications from viruses such as the flu or COVID-19. It may also take you longer to recover from illnesses than you used to.
7. You may feel sad. Although adults aged 60 and older have the lowest rate of diagnosed depression, many people in this age group feel sad or lonely, have less interest in activities or people than they did before and experience less pleasure. They may not be diagnosed with depression because these feelings are often dismissed as being a natural part of aging, but there’s no reason to feel like this. Medication and psychotherapy may help.

To find a PIH Health primary care physician, visit PIHHealth.org/Doctors