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Understanding the aging process
By Mayo Clinic staff| Journalists |
|
For more information, contact:
Ginger Plumbo |
ROCHESTER, Minn. — Time takes a toll on the organs and systems in the body. People are likely to notice a number of changes as they get older.
How and when these changes occur is unique to each person. A healthy aging feature on MayoClinic.com outlines the typical changes individuals can expect as they age. Here are a few changes highlighted in the feature:
Cardiovascular system
As people age, the heart muscle becomes a less efficient pump, working harder to pump the same amount of blood through the body. Also, blood vessels become less elastic.
Bones, muscles and joints
Bones reach their maximum mass between ages 25 and 35. As people age, their bones' size and density shrink. Some people might become shorter. Gradual loss of density weakens bones and makes people more susceptible to fracture.
Digestive system
Swallowing and the motions that automatically move digested food through the intestines slow down as people get older. The amount of surface area within the intestines diminishes slightly.
Weight
As men and women age, maintaining a healthy weight may be more difficult. Metabolism generally slows, meaning that the body burns fewer calories.
MayoClinic.com features an anti-aging quiz which asks 10 questions to test people's knowledge about how to live a long and healthy life. The site also has a feature story on nutrition for seniors.
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