Aging notoriously creates challenges relative to maintaining good health.
Fortunately, many of the health issues associated with aging can be managed, or even avoided.
Keep reading to learn about six common age-related health issues, and about tips for avoiding them.
1. Hormone Imbalance
Declining hormone production affects both women and men as they age.
Women face a significant decline in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone during perimenopause and menopause.
Men begin to produce less testosterone as early as their late 20s. They can also develop estrogen levels that are too high or too low.
And both sexes produce less DHEA, pregnenolone, thyroid, melatonin, and growth hormone as they age.
The result is symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, low libido, insomnia, a reduction in muscle mass, and changes in mood.
But the consequences of imbalanced hormones can extend beyond the symptoms noted above.
Hormones make everything in your body work properly. So, when these important chemicals are no longer present in optimal amounts, overall health can be impacted. The result is an increased risk for developing the various ailments we associate with getting older (e.g. cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia).
Because people are living longer than they did a century ago, hormone imbalances that are left untreated have more far-reaching consequences than they used to.
The good news is that we can put back into the body what the body is no longer producing on its own via hormone replacement therapy. When done properly, symptoms are relieved (or prevented) and risk factors for illness are reduced.
2. Obesity
Many people will gain weight as they age. The reasons for this age-related weight gain can include a slower metabolism (due to insulin resistance), reduced activity levels, a poor diet, and imbalanced hormones.
Age-related weight gain can be addressed through diet modifications, regular exercise, and hormone replacement therapy. And insulin resistance can be addressed using medications like metformin and semaglutide.
3. Muscle Loss
Muscle loss, also known as sarcopenia, can have serious implications to a person’s health as they age. In particular, a loss of muscle mass can negatively impact balance, mobility, and metabolism.
Strength training on a regular basis is essential for maintaining strong muscles as a person ages. Maintaining a diet rich in protein and amino acids is also important.
And men and women both need healthy levels of testosterone for building and maintaining lean muscle mass. Testosterone replacement can return testosterone to optimal levels once a person’s natural production has started to decline.
4. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis causes bones to be fragile and more prone to breakage. The result can be pain, decreased mobility, and even an increased risk for mortality.
Getting enough calcium and vitamin D (whether from diet or supplements) is vitally important for healthy bones. So is weight-bearing exercise.
And then there is estrogen. While it is true that men need far less estrogen than women, the fact remains that this is the strong bone hormone…for women and for men. Hormone therapy can ensure this important hormone remains optimized for healthy bones.
5. Type 2 Diabetes
With age, your risk for developing type 2 diabetes increases due to changes in insulin sensitivity.
You can reduce this risk by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet low in refined carbohydrates, and getting regular exercise.
And insulin sensitivity can be improved with medications like metformin and semaglutide.
6. Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related cognitive disorders can negatively impact memory, critical reasoning, and personality.
You can exercise your brain the same way you exercise your body through activities like doing puzzles, playing games, learning a foreign language, playing a musical instrument, reading, and social engagement. The possibilities are just about endless. What’s important is that you continue to challenge yourself cognitively.
Regular cardiovascular exercise is helpful because it improves blood flow to the brain.
And then there are hormones that are essential for good brain health. Of particular importance are estrogen and testosterone.
Age Better by Staying Healthy
Suffering from the conditions described above as one ages does not have to be a forgone conclusion. If you maintain healthy lifestyle habits and take care of your body now, it will take care of you later.
Renew Youth has been a pioneer in healthy aging since 1999. We are experts when it comes to hormone replacement therapy and other healthy aging solutions. Ready to start aging better? Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation.