{"id":4239,"date":"2023-09-07T10:02:09","date_gmt":"2023-09-07T17:02:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/?p=4239"},"modified":"2023-09-21T06:28:20","modified_gmt":"2023-09-21T13:28:20","slug":"the-psychological-changes-of-aging-what-to-expect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/the-psychological-changes-of-aging-what-to-expect\/","title":{"rendered":"The Psychological Changes of Aging: What to Expect\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
Summary<\/strong> 
 
\u2022 Although some aging adults experience cognitive or physical impairments, growing older can still bring many positive experiences.  
\u2022 Biological factors, social engagement, significant life transitions, and health status can all lead to psychological changes as we age. 
\u2022 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. <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

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Our golden years can be some of the most rewarding, enjoyable periods of our lives.  <\/p>

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. <\/p>

However, this time in our lives can also filled with change and uncertainty. You might find your short-term memory isn\u2019t what it used to be. Your reaction times may even be slower.  <\/p>

One in every four<\/a> aging adults will experience a mental health issue due to psychological changes at some point in their retirement years.  <\/p>

This isn\u2019t all doom and gloom, though. Many aging adults<\/a> experience good mental health and few cognitive issues. <\/p>

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. <\/p>

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.  <\/p>

What Are the Physical Health Changes Aging Adults Can Expect? <\/h2>

Aging adults can expect to go through various physical changes later in life. Let\u2019s take a closer look. <\/p>

Decreased bone density <\/h3>

As we move through middle age, our bodies lose tissue faster than they can replace it, decreasing bone density.  <\/p>

A balanced diet, regular exercise, lifestyle changes, and certain medications can help to reduce bone density loss and improve bone health. <\/p>

Greater risk of heart conditions <\/h3>

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\u2019s ability to pump blood, which may cause heart conditions. <\/p>

Managing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels \u2014 as well as going for regular checkups \u2014 can help maintain cardiovascular health. <\/p>

Changes in the digestive system <\/h3>

Aging can cause changes in the digestive system, including changes in saliva and stomach acid production that affect how nutrients are absorbed. <\/p>

Consuming fiber-rich foods, staying hydrated, and practicing stress reduction techniques can go a long way to support digestive health as we age. <\/p>

The Psychological Health Changes Associated with Aging <\/h2>

As we get older, we can also expect to experience various psychological changes. According to the National Institute on Aging,<\/a> this is a perfectly normal part of aging. <\/p>

Memory changes <\/h3>

One of the most common psychological aspects that change as we age is our memory.  <\/p>

It may be as simple as forgetting where you left your keys or glasses. Or it could be more complicated \u2014 especially for those who develop neurological disorders like dementia<\/a> and Alzheimer\u2019s<\/a>.  <\/p>

Around 40% of aging adults<\/a> 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. <\/p>

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 \u2014 affecting how quickly we process and retrieve information.  <\/p>

However, not everyone will have major cognitive issues. Only about 8% of aging adults<\/a> will experience dementia, and around 10% of people older than 65<\/a> will develop Alzheimer’s disease. <\/p>

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. <\/p>

Decreased reaction times <\/h3>

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. <\/p>

While we can expect some cognitive decline that results in slower processing and decision-making, you can still live a fulfilling life. <\/p>

Having a healthy lifestyle and engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help maintain cognitive function and potentially reduce age-related decline in reaction speed. <\/p>

Changes in executive function <\/h3>

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. <\/p>

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As we get older, we can expect our functional ability to decrease, which can result in: <\/p>