Personal Best Health Wellness - The Effects of Aging

In the study of aging, gerontologists believe the body's organs change in certain ways, naturally, as a result of time and use. Many of these changes are caused by cell death due to oxidation and decreased production. By age 75, the number of cells in your body has decreased by as much as 30%, affecting every major system. For example …

Nervous System — By age 30, your brain begins to permanently lose thousands of cells a day. As your brain shrinks, you may notice it takes longer to process information, and mental and physical reactions are slower.

Cardiovascular System — Your blood vessels become less elastic, leading to high blood pressure. Your heart loses muscle, becomes fattier and pumps less efficiently, yet it is required to work harder than ever.

Muscle-skeletal System — Your bones become gradually thinner and more susceptible to fracture, especially if you're a woman. Muscle mass and strength also decline due to a loss of muscle fibers and the nerves that stimulate them.

Digestive System — This is a muscular structure that gradually loses tone with age. As your digestive tract becomes sluggish, you may be more prone to indigestion, constipation and gastric problems. The liver also shrinks with age, becoming slower to function.

Although we can't generally reverse the effects of aging, we can often avoid accelerating the process through lifestyle … Don't smoke. Limit alcohol. Avoid excess sun exposure and dietary fat. Sleep 8 hours a day. Practice relaxation techniques. Get 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

And exercise! Aerobic workouts, in particular, increase the flow of life-sustaining oxygen throughout every cell. This helps protect and rejuvenate each system in your body, mile after mile.