Age-related changes

Definition

Starting with the so-called middle-age body increasingly difficult to cope with the daily burden, physical and sometimes mental abilities begin to fade. In developed countries, life expectancy is more than 70 years. In fact, people can live and 120 years, but this prevented failures in the various body systems that occur in the second half of life. Age-related changes lead to chronic and, in some cases, fatal disease. The most vulnerable to cardio-vascular, digestive, excretory, nervous and reproductive systems. Distribution of "senile" diseases are Alzheimer's disease, osteoarthritis, cancer, diabetes, depression and ischemic heart disease.

Description

The peak of growth and maturation of the human body has approximately 25 years. Then comes maturity and aging - the natural processes that follow the rapid blossoming of youth. Some age-related changes are carried heavily, but not always render a feeble old man. Features of the aging process due to health, lifestyle and genetic predisposition. With age, most often observed the following changes:

* Hearing impairment (particularly affected the perception of high tones).
* Increasing the number of adipose tissue in relation to the muscle (the ratio could rise by almost 30%). Layer of subcutaneous fat, previously distributed evenly throughout the body, now thin, and fat accumulates in the abdominal area. A person loses the ability to rapidly consume fats (including cholesterol and fat-soluble substance), and they begin to accumulate in the body.
* Reduction of water content in the body. This leads to a deterioration of absorption of water-soluble substances. The body produces less saliva and other hydrating fluids.
* Deterioration of the liver and kidneys. Because of this, begin to accumulate harmful products of metabolism.
* The deterioration of the digestive system by reducing the development of gastric juice.
* The weakening of muscles, the deterioration of motor coordination, decreased mobility, dexterity and flexibility.
* Reduced development of sex hormones, the attenuation of sexual function.
* The gradual weakening of taste and smell.
* Changes in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems lead to a deterioration in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to various organs and systems of the body.
* The deterioration of the nervous system. The signals of the brain are transmitted is not as effective. Reflexes slow, deteriorating memory and ability to perceive new information.
* Reduction of bone density and strength of bones.
* A gradual decrease in hormone production, especially thyroid and sex glands.
* Blurred vision, increased risk of eye diseases (eg, macular degeneration).
* The deterioration of natural production of vitamin D under the action of sunlight.
* Reduction of formation of proteins, reduced bone and muscle mass, increased risk of osteoporosis.

Causes and symptoms

There are several theories to explain the aging process. In each case a leading role for a particular factor (or combination).

* Programmed aging ( "theory of biological clocks"). Aging of cells programmed at the genetic level. The number of possible divisions laid once and for all. When the cells begin to die faster than recover, authorities could not cope with the tasks assigned to them vital functions.
* The genetic theory. In the cells of the presence of substances that destroy them at the chromosomal level.
* Structural Theory. With age, deteriorating condition of the connective tissue: from the fact that it becomes less firm and elastic, irreversible changes occur.
* The theory of free radicals. The most popular theory that as a result of chemical reactions in the body cells formed free radicals that cause damage and cell death. Over time, the number of dead and dormant cells is growing. Because of this disrupted the whole organism.
* Immunological theory. With age, the immune system wears out. The body becomes more susceptible to infectious diseases and disorders that eventually lead to death. In addition, due to weakening of the immune system run autoimmune reaction: the body recognizes its own cells as alien and he kills them.

Diagnosis

With age-related changes involve numerous diseases. Common methods of detecting them not, but examination of the patient, the general and biochemical blood tests help to identify problem areas. Older people at the beginning of the disease often occur in worn shape. The survey must be appointed in the presence of these symptoms:

* Decreased appetite
* Confusion
* Incontinence
* Dizziness
* Weight loss
* Cases fall

Treatment

The doctors almost always prescribe symptomatic treatment of diseases associated with aging. Approximately two-thirds of people over 65 years (among them more women than men) have resorted to using drugs. Older people often take painkillers, diuretics, sedatives and psychotropic drugs and drugs for cardiovascular diseases and antibiotics.

Postmenopausal women to address the symptoms of age-related changes are usually appointed by hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogens. In addition, frequently prescribed drugs and progesterone. Prove that HRT helps to preserve mental abilities.

Outputs

Aging is inevitable, but the infirmities of age can be avoided. Even in very old people can continue to lead active lifestyles. In order to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of chronic diseases, need the support of relatives, friends and doctors, as well as proper nutrition, healthy lifestyles and ability to cope with stress.

Alternative therapies

Nutritional Supplements

Older people are encouraged to take high-quality vitamin and mineral complexes. In old age is often a shortage of B vitamins, vitamins A and C, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, chromium and other trace elements. As in old age reduces the production of gastric juice, it is better to take vitamins in gelatin capsules, which are easily digested. In some vitamin complexes contain enzymes to improve digestion.

Antioxidants help eliminate the damage caused by free radicals, which are considered one of the causes of aging. Antioxidants are also useful for the prevention and treatment of cancer, cataracts and glaucoma.

The list of substances that are antioxidants:

* Vitamin E (daily norm - 400-1000 IU). Protects cell membranes from damage. May help prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
* Selenium (the recommended dose - 50 mg 2 times a day). May reduce the risk of cancer.
* Beta-carotene (daily norm - 25000-40000 IU). Used as adjuvant treatment for cancer, colds, flu, arthritis, and to strengthen the immune system.
* Vitamin C (1000-2000 mg / day). In large doses can cause diarrhea. When side effects decrease dosage.
* Other useful supplements for age-related diseases:
* Complex vitamins B12 / B. According to studies, vitamin B12 improves memory and eliminates mental health problems (confusion and depression).
* Coenzyme Q10. It is effective for the treatment of heart disease. 3 / 4 of patients with heart disease are deficient in this enzyme.

Hormonal preparations

The following hormonal treatments used for prevention and treatment of diseases associated with aging of the organism. Before applying you should consult with a specialist.

DHEA normalizes hormones, helps to restore muscle mass and strengthen bone tissue and the prevention of heart disease.

Melatonin is used to treat insomnia, sexual dysfunction, viral and bacterial infections. Acceptance of this hormone reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Somatotropin (growth hormone) normalizes blood glucose levels, strengthens bone, cartilage and muscle tissue, helps to burn fat.

Phytopreparations

Garlic (Allium sativa) is used to prevent and treat heart disease, improves complexion and skin condition. Garlic normalizes the liver and digestive system, lowers blood pressure.

Eleutherococcus (Eleutherococcus senticosus) stimulates the adrenal glands and the immune system. There is evidence that it helps to eliminate problems caused by stress. Siberian ginseng enhances mental and physical activity, prevent memory loss, chronic fatigue syndrome and immune dysfunction.

Source proantotsianidov are pine bark, bones and skin of grapes. These compounds are useful for the prevention of cancer and eye diseases.

In Ayurveda, aging is explained by the fact that the man begins to dominate Vata dosha - the driest of the three doshas (basic life forces). Man becomes thin, loses fluid, becomes more and more nervous, anxious and fearful, complains of poor sleep and appetite. To correct this condition using food (bananas, almonds, avocados, coconuts) and fitodrug Gotha-Cola, or pennywort (Centella asiatica), strengthens the immune system and restore the normal functioning of the nervous system and brain cells. Pennywort is used to treat loss of memory, anxiety and insomnia.

In Chinese medicine, aging is explained by a lack of yin. Older people are encouraged to have "moisturizing products. These include millet, barley soup, tofu, golden beans, oats, spirulina, potatoes, black sesame seeds, walnuts, flaxseed. You can use tonics: extract from antlers of a deer, weed seeds, sprouts of Chinese foxglove, "Longevity soup, mussels and chicken.

Prevention

To increase life expectancy and improve its quality in old age need to eat right, lead an active lifestyle, avoid stress and give up bad habits. Physical exercise strengthens bone tissue, improves appetite, digestion, emotional feelings and circulation.

Drinking plenty of fluids can maintain healthy skin, good digestion and timely withdrawal from the organism of decay products. On the day you should drink up to 8 glasses of water, along with herbal tea, diluted fruit and vegetable juices, consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits with high content of liquid.

Due to the weakening of taste receptors older people are often added to eat more salt. This leads to an increase in blood pressure and lack of useful substances in the body. Consumption of sugar also increased. As a sugar substitute can be used seaweed and honey (in small quantities).

Alcohol, nicotine and caffeine are potentially dangerous, so their need to partially or completely abandoned.

Recommended foods rich in fiber but low in fat and complex carbohydrates (eg cereals). If it is difficult to chew, drink more drinks containing proteins, milk cereals, fresh fruit and vegetable juices.
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