The Effects of Aging on Our Bodies

As we watch our parents and other loved ones age, we begin to notice a change in their physical health and personality. Although it can be difficult to see, it is normal for our bodies and minds to weaken. Understanding the effects of aging on older individuals can help you decide when the time is right to consider skilled nursing care.

How do our bodies evolve as we age? We highlight five changes in health to consider.

Increased Risk for Falls

The chance of falling and sustaining an injury increases as we age. The older and less mobile you are, your injuries from a fall are more likely to be serious. In fact, falls are the leading cause of death for seniors, resulting in close to 30,000 fatalities every year. Fall risk can increase as we age due to:

• Reduced muscle mass
• Osteoporosis
• Vision or hearing loss
• Medications that affect balance

The Importance of Nutrition and Hydration

Proper nutrition is important throughout every stage of life, but becomes particularly crucial at an older age. Elderly individuals may not always eat right due to lack of mobility, loss of energy or depression. However, it is dangerous to deprive yourself of the nutrients your body needs to keep thriving. Dehydration in seniors is another serious health concern because it can keep blood from moving to vital organs. At West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center, we are very serious about our dining services, offering nutritious meal options for maximum health benefits.

Slower Healing

The skin is our largest organ. Over the years, it begins to lose moisture and elasticity, becoming less of a protective barrier for our bodies. As a result, a bump of the leg against a table may result in a minor bruise for your child that fades within a day, but your great aunt could get a large black-and-blue spot that takes longer to heal. Unfortunately, bruising and skin ulcers become more and more common with age.

Loss of Bone Density

As kids, we’re told to drink plenty of milk to build strong bones. Yet, our bones naturally lose mass as we age. Bone mineral density tests often show an increased risk for broken bones and osteoporosis in older individuals. During our lifetime, bones go through a process called resorption, in which old bone is broken down and new bone is built up. Resorption becomes much more difficult for an aging body and loss of bone strength makes slip and fall risk even more dangerous for seniors.

Urinary Incontinence

Another medical condition that affects many elderly men and women is incontinence: the inability to control one’s bladder. Over time, the muscles weaken and we can lose control of our body’s functions. Urinary incontinence can be uncomfortable, embarrassing and difficult to manage day-to-day, making those with the condition more dependent on others for help.

If you’re considering skilled nursing care for a loved one, learn more about admission to West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center.