Aging has been studied for many years. Seniors today are living in a time when we have more information about what causes people to grow older. Currently, there’s no cure for aging, but there are some interesting things to know about how the body responds to different factors that influence the development of health issues and wrinkles. These are three different types of aging that all impact how quickly someone begins to look and feel older.
1. Genetic Aging
Anyone who has ever noted certain families seem to age more slowly has seen genetic aging in action. Genetics influences how the cells in the body replicate, and there can be a significant difference in how this works from one person to another. On average, the cells in the body can replicate around 50 times before the genetic material is no longer capable of being transferred properly. This is due to shortened telomeres. Telomere longevity is influenced primarily by genetics, but there are also other factors that can influence how long and how well the body’s cells can replicate without problems.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted elder care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help.
2. Hormonal Aging
Hormones influence how the body changes over time. This is most noticeable during the adolescent years, when hormones cause the body to go through the various stages of development that occur in puberty. Hormones also strike again in middle age to later in life, when a person may notice the signs of decreasing estrogen and testosterone. Both of these hormones are recognized for keeping the body youthful and full of more vitality. As hormone levels fluctuate and decrease, it’s common to experience the signs of aging, such as drier skin and increased levels of fatigue.
Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust Huntsville at-home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.
3. Environmental Aging
Environmental aging is sometimes referred to as accumulated damage. This includes all the factors that people often have more control over than others, such as their hormones. For example, most people are already familiar with sun damage and the ways too much exposure to UV light can break down the protective elements of the skin. In our modern world, there are many chemicals that influence aging. Food may be covered in pesticides, or there may be contaminants in drinking water. Household cleaners, air fresheners, and scented personal products all have chemicals that can potentially cause cells to age faster.
It’s important for seniors to recognize they can control some aspects of how fast they age, but there are other factors that simply happen. Seniors today can make choices that slow down how quickly their bodies age. For example, quitting smoking and drinking too much alcohol can enhance how well the body’s cells can replicate. Seniors who have genetic risk factors for certain diseases, such as breast cancer, can also choose to stay on top of their healthcare appointments.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving 24-hour care. Huntsville, AL, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Call us today at (256) 716-9940 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.