The Physical and Mental Signs of Aging

Over the years, different tissues in the body become damaged, which eventually impacts how well bodily systems function. People also experience damage on a cellular level as they age. Science suggests that this process is due to shortening of the telomeres at the end of chromosomes over time.

This damage leads to a range of issues associated with growing older, such as poorer eyesight or hearing, thinning skin, a weaker immune system, and slower digestion.

Mental aging is the “slowdown” or other difficulties in thinking most people experience as they age. While mental aging at a normal level is something that happens to everyone and not a cause for concern – more or less all people find themselves forgetting a few things or taking longer to do regular mental tasks – mental aging can also be affected by serious cognitive disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Psychological aging refers to changes in the way someone looks at their situation as they get older. For example, as people age psychologically in different ways, they may be interested in exploring new things and having fun, or may be disengaged and feel isolated from others.

How old a person “feels” is also a part of psychological aging, and studies show that feeling younger is linked with positive health outcomes.

While the need to be a part of a community and relate to others doesn’t go away with age, social circumstances often change. Social networks may diminish, and age-related sensory changes such as hearing loss make communication less natural.