I qualify. I am 69 years old, although I like to say I feel more like 69 going on 60 than 69 going on 70 – somedays. Other days, I feel my age. There are good reasons for these feelings. 

As we grow older, the number of cells – the basic building block of life – decrease and some die and are not replaced. This means body systems do not function as well. On average, elderly folk begin to experience some signs of overall physical deterioration from age 65. 

It may make you feel better (if you are elderly) to know that some physical abilities such as metabolism and lung capacity/breathing actually begin to decease in function after the age of 25. In fact, by age 50 lung capacity decreases about 40% and 60% by age 70. And you wonder why you huff and puff after hurrying up the stairs! So, in some ways, it is true that from age 25 well-being is all downhill. 

Following are some of the physical marks often experienced in the elderly stage of life. Not everyone experiences all of them. But some may seem familiar, if not for you, at least for your care recipient. This list is neither complete nor the descriptions comprehensive, but I do hope it will encourage you to do more research on any that you recognize. 

• The greatest height I ever reached was five foot three inches – if I stood up very straight. I am down to five foot two and one-half inches, which means I must look around for tall people in the grocery store to help me reach items on the top shelves. I have met some very nice people that way. As old bones thin and shrink, it is not unusual to experience a loss of height which averages about two inches by age 80. A stooping posture may become evident along with higher incidences of diseases such as osteoarthritis (degeneration of joint cartilage and bone, resulting in pain and stiffness, especially in the hip, knee and thumb joints) or osteoporosis (bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue caused by calcium/vitamin D deficiency or hormonal changes). 
• Chronic mucus hypersecretion (CMH). Although my dad used to bring up so much mucous almost every morning that my son “diagnosed” him with “hark-inson’s disease” (he was trying to be humorous), I was not aware this nuisance actually had a name until I began my research for this blog. CMH is described as “coughing and bringing up sputum” and is a common respiratory symptom in the elderly.
• Digestive system disorders such as difficulty in swallowing, inadequate nutrition due to decreased appetite and constipation are frequent in this age group.
• Essential tremor (ET) is a nervous system disorder that results in involuntary and rhythmic shaking. This may occur in almost any part of the body, but most often affects the hands. Arms, legs, head, trunk or even one’s voice may also be affected. Often confused with Parkinson’s disease, ET is eight time more common than PD. Doing a simple task such as drinking from a glass of water may cause you to be aware of these tremors. 
• Falls. Uh-oh. I cannot tell you how many times I have tripped over my vacuum hose over the last few years. So far, no falls, but I have to remind myself to slow down. I watch my grandkids play and climb and jump and fall and continue with great vigor and no injuries. Falls in old age differ greatly from falls in young age. Every year, about one-third of people over 65 years of age fall; that increases to one-half for people over 80 years. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury and death for the elderly.
• Gait change. It is normal for some aspects of gait (a person’s manner of walking) to change with age. Velocity slows. Double stance time (time with both feet on the ground) increases. Some people appear to shuffle. Others clomp. You don’t pick up your feet as high as you did when you were young. Simple items such as throw rugs and door jambs can become dangerous obstacles. Watch your step.
• Impairment in the ability to get around – mobility – affects about 15% of those between the ages of 65 and 74 and increases to almost half of those over 85. This is one area that makes the need for a caregiver necessary. Without someone to assist, a person who is immobile will face serious emotional as well as physical consequences. 
• Loss of hearing. If I had a dollar bill for every time I have said something to Randy and his reply was “What?” I would go get a deluxe pedicure every week. At least he no longer responds with “Huh?” He is just one of the 26.7 million people over age 50 with a hearing impairment. By age 75 and older, 48% of men and 37% of women lose some of their ability to hear well. 
• Vision problems. Do you remember the first time when you were in your 40’s or so and someone stuck a book in your face and said, “Read this”? Immediately you would push the book back a few feet so you could actually see the writing. This is the effect of presbyopia, also referred to as the “aging eye condition.” Caused by age-related hardening of the lens of the eyes and first occurring in those over 40 years old, it progresses with time and makes it very difficult to read small print, i.e. ingredient lists on labels and any print in low lighting. This very normal condition of aging has an easy fix such as reading glasses or bifocals.
• Sense of taste. Taste buds diminish with age and food may become less appealing. (This is something I have yet to experience.) On the other hand, it may enable you to eat nutritious foods that do not rate high in the best-tasting food category (Brussel sprouts come to mind). Thirst perception also decreases with age, causing almost half of all elderly people to take in less fluids than they need to stay adequately hydrated. Some people experience dry mouth as less saliva is being produced. Oral hygiene (an important task that needs to be meticulously addressed by caregivers) may be lacking, resulting in increased chances for tooth decay, extractions or infections. (That is if you still have your natural teeth!)
• This will probably not come as a surprise, but urinary incontinence is often present in the elderly. Research has revealed nearly half of those over age 65 report some bladder leakage. This can be a result of weak bladder muscles, an overactive bladder or weak pelvic floor muscles. A less likely cause is damage to nerves that control the bladder from diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease. Elderly women are twice as likely to endure this condition.

• “Is that you, Aunt Dorothy? You don’t sound like yourself.” Voices may change as vocal cords weaken and do not vibrate as vibrantly. A hearty voice may become a whisper. This is referred to as “old person’s voice.” 
• Skin becomes thinner, drier, less elastic and more fragile with age. Facial and neck wrinkles are considered one of the most visible signs of aging. Brown patches known as age spots may appear, especially on the face, hands and forearms. It is important to monitor for new skin growth or changes in existing moles which could be skin cancer. In addition to wrinkles, signs you can readily see include graying and thinning hair. Men are often affected by balding. 
• Sleep problems are estimated to be experienced by as many as half the elderly population. Deep sleep decreases and may result in daytime sleepiness.
• Pain…an affliction most elderly know something about. It is estimated that many older people regularly experience pain as much as 25% of the time. Statistics show that for those living in nursing homes, pain is quite common. Residents report being in pain up to 80% of the time. 
• More serious health concerns in the elderly include chronic diseases. Not everyone has one, but many do. Some have multiple long-term conditions, with uncontrolled hypertension, arthritis and heart disease being the most frequent. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, lung capacity begins decreasing after age 25, causing less oxygen to be available to the body. Breathe deeply every chance you get. Aging also leads to immunosenescence (less efficient immune system) making the elderly more susceptible to illness and death (as exhibited by COVID-19.)

Next week we will cover some of the mental and emotional challenges we face as we age. 

Caring Note: Next Sunday we will observe and celebrate Easter – Resurrection Sunday. Because of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, although we will experience death in this life, we have the opportunity to experience eternal life with Him. Thank you, Jesus, for dying on the cross for me – and each one reading this today.