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CARING FOR THE AGING BODY

Those who were born in the early 1900's in the United States had a life expectancy of about 50 years. Today's life expectancy is around 77. Advances in medicine, nutrition, and science are helping more people live longer, healthier lives. To maximize this potential, aging people have to take action to keep themselves in the best health possible. A healthy diet, exercise, meaningful activities, social contacts, and regular medical testing are all vital maintaining elderly health.

THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Over time, the heart becomes a less efficient pump, and the blood vessels become less elastic. High blood pressure often develops. Hardened fatty deposits may develop on the walls of the arteries, blocking the flow of blood. It is important to get adequate exercise and eat heart-healthy foods.

NUTRITION often becomes a problem because of changes in health and lifestyle. The elderly may lose their appetites because they are depressed, reacting to medication, or find chewing painful. If they live alone, it may seem like too much trouble to plan or cook meals for one, or they may eat constantly to alleviate boredom. Eating disorders in the elderly are rare, but they may develop as a way of handling the stresses of aging and loneliness. If an elderly person is having trouble managing his or her food intake, consider a modified form of elderly care in an independent living facility where nutritious meals are supplied as well as a number of interesting organized activities.

BONES, JOINTS, and MUSCLES
After the age of 35, bones begin to shrink in size and density. People often becomes shorter and more susceptible to fracture. Osteoporosis may develop. Weight-bearing exercise and adequate calcium intake are important to counteract this trend

Joints tend to become stiffer, and muscles lose their strength. It is important to keep using the muscles and flexing the joints. Exercise programs, dancing, knitting, and playing musical instruments can help.

THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Swallowing and the movement of food through the intestines slow down. Secretions from the stomach, liver, pancreas, and small intestine may decrease. Constipation becomes a more common problem, especially if the elderly person has a poor appetite and is not very active. It is important to eat regularly, include adequate fiber, cut the food into smaller pieces and chew carefully before swallowing.

VISION
As they age, eyes are less able to produce tears, the retinas thin, and the lenses

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