| Summary • Although some aging adults experience cognitive or physical impairments, growing older can still bring many positive experiences. • Biological factors, social engagement, significant life transitions, and health status can all lead to psychological changes as we age. • Leading a healthy lifestyle, engaging in physical activity, and eating a balanced diet can help adults cope with the psychological changes that often form part of growing older. |
Our golden years can be some of the most rewarding, enjoyable periods of our lives.
Having the time to indulge in the things you love most and the freedom to explore new hobbies or interests are just some of the perks of growing older.
However, this time in our lives can also filled with change and uncertainty. You might find your short-term memory isn’t what it used to be. Your reaction times may even be slower.
One in every four aging adults will experience a mental health issue due to psychological changes at some point in their retirement years.
This isn’t all doom and gloom, though. Many aging adults experience good mental health and few cognitive issues.
If you are prepared for the age-related changes ahead and know what to expect, you can more fully embrace this new chapter of your life.
In this article, we will help you understand the main mental and physical changes associated with advanced age and how to better prepare for these changes.
What Are the Physical Health Changes Aging Adults Can Expect?
Aging adults can expect to go through various physical changes later in life. Let’s take a closer look.
Decreased bone density
As we move through middle age, our bodies lose tissue faster than they can replace it, decreasing bone density.
A balanced diet, regular exercise, lifestyle changes, and certain medications can help to reduce bone density loss and improve bone health.
Greater risk of heart conditions
Age-related changes can affect the strength and structure of the muscles that surround the heart. These changes could get in the way of the heart’s ability to pump blood, which may cause heart conditions.
Managing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels — as well as going for regular checkups — can help maintain cardiovascular health.
Changes in the digestive system
Aging can cause changes in the digestive system, including changes in saliva and stomach acid production that affect how nutrients are absorbed.
Consuming fiber-rich foods, staying hydrated, and practicing stress reduction techniques can go a long way to support digestive health as we age.
The Psychological Health Changes Associated with Aging
As we get older, we can also expect to experience various psychological changes. According to the National Institute on Aging, this is a perfectly normal part of aging.
Memory changes
One of the most common psychological aspects that change as we age is our memory.
It may be as simple as forgetting where you left your keys or glasses. Or it could be more complicated — especially for those who develop neurological disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Around 40% of aging adults will experience some form of memory loss after 65, so it’s quite normal to experience some decrease in brain function as we get on in years.
Our brains go through significant structural and functional shifts over time. As we age, the volume of certain brain regions involved in memory processes can decrease — affecting how quickly we process and retrieve information.
However, not everyone will have major cognitive issues. Only about 8% of aging adults will experience dementia, and around 10% of people older than 65 will develop Alzheimer’s disease.
Adopting a brain-healthy diet, staying active, properly managing chronic health conditions, and getting quality sleep can reduce the risk of memory problems and improve cognitive health.
Decreased reaction times
You might find your reaction times are a bit longer than when you were a young adult. Much like memory loss, this is usually due to neurological changes in the brain and nervous system.
While we can expect some cognitive decline that results in slower processing and decision-making, you can still live a fulfilling life.
Having a healthy lifestyle and engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help maintain cognitive function and potentially reduce age-related decline in reaction speed.
Changes in executive function
With age also comes changes in our executive functions, which are the mental processes that help us concentrate, plan ahead, and remember things. This may affect our decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
As we get older, we can expect our functional ability to decrease, which can result in:
- A reduced attention span and focus
- Difficulty multitasking
- Being less adaptable to change
- A decline in reasoning skills
Having a structured routine, seeking social support, and engaging in physical activity can all help maintain executive function in aging adults.
Increased anxiety about your health
Health anxiety can be described as increased fear and worry about your medical health. Many aging adults experience this, especially as their bodies and minds change.
While it’s normal to be worried about your health as you age, excessive worry and anxiety can negatively affect your life.
Adopting healthy habits, going for regular screenings, and staying socially connected can help prevent and manage health anxiety.
It’s also important to get help if your anxiety about health issues affects your everyday life. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop healthy coping strategies.
Grief and bereavement
Loss is a normal part of life, but as we age, this experience hits closer to home.
Losing people who are dear to you, like your spouse and aging friends, can become very difficult to cope with and may be one of the most painful parts of aging.
Allowing yourself to grieve, expressing your emotions, getting support, and maintaining self-care are strategies you can use to cope with grief and bereavement.
Grief is a highly personal experience, so the coping strategies mentioned above might not work for you. Always seek professional guidance and support if you’re struggling to deal with loss.
Coping Strategies for Psychological Changes in Adults
To cope with all the changes you’ll likely experience, it’s important that you find mechanisms that work for you. But, there are four main strategies that every aging adult should try to include in their life where possible.
Physical exercise
Including exercise in your routine is an excellent way to cope with the psychological changes you may be experiencing.
If you are struggling with your mental health, some evidence suggests that exercise can help with depressive symptoms in aging adults.
For aging adults, physical activity can help:
- Maintain bone density
- Decrease weight gain
- Reduce heart health risk factors
- Stimulate digestive processes
- Improve memory and cognitive function
A healthy diet
Studies have found that a balanced diet that includes calcium, fatty acids, fiber, and vitamin D can help manage the psychological effects of aging.
A good diet can benefit your physical and mental health, prevent chronic illnesses, improve cognitive function, and support brain health.
Staying mentally active
Remaining mentally active as you age is just as important as staying physically active.
Activities that are mentally stimulating improve cognitive function, encourage a positive mindset, and give you a sense of fulfillment.
Mentally stimulating activities you could try include building puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or playing strategic games.
Maintaining social connections
Connecting with others and maintaining your relationships is important to getting the social support you need.
| How Social Support Affects Life Expectancy According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25% of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. Recent studies have found that social isolation can result in premature mortality, dementia, and even an increased risk of stroke and heart disease. Additionally, a study by the Elder Care Alliance found that life expectancy increases by up to 50% when people have strong social relationships. |
Maintaining your social connections can also:
- Improve your mental and emotional well-being
- Provide cognitive stimulation
- Give your life a sense of purpose and value
- Improve your overall happiness
Investing in a medical alert device
Medical alert devices are designed to get you the help when you need it most.
They can also provide peace of mind and ease health anxiety, helping you to cope with psychological changes.
How LogicMark Can Help with the Psychological Changes of Aging
Maintaining your safety and independence as an aging adult is vital to your well-being, and a medical alert device can help you do just this.
With LogicMark’s medical alert devices, you get access to emergency responders whenever you need it. You can also use these devices to connect with loved ones or your care provider.
Understanding the physical and mental changes you experience as you age can help you feel more prepared for what lies ahead.
Although you’ll face many significant changes as an aging adult, most of these are normal, and— with the right strategies in place — you can take control of your mental and physical health as you get older.
Investing in a medical alert device from LogicMark is an effective coping mechanism you can have in place to help you embrace your golden years without having to worry about your safety.
Visit our website to explore our range of medical alert devices designed to give you independence and reassurance as you age.
