These 11 Signs Your Body is Aging Too Fast, According to a Doctor

Are you in good shape for your age, or are you starting to see the signs of aging impacting you on a daily basis? Although it is not always pleasant to ask the question, certain signs can alert you and tell you to change some habits to stay young for longer. In the media WebMDDr Dany Paul Baby gives 11 signs to spot.

Your walk becomes slower

If your walking pace slows down after age 40, it may be a sign that you are aging faster than usual. The good news is that walking is one of the simplest and most effective exercises you can do and can improve upon. To begin a walking program, start with 5 minutes per day and gradually increase to 30 minutes. Try taking up to 100 steps per minute (to find out, count your steps for 10 seconds and multiply by six.)To make it easier, wear supportive walking shoes and walk with a companion.” advises Dr Dany Paul Baby.

You see sun spots appearing on your skin

Brown spots caused by the sun most often appear on the face, hands and arms. They are common, especially in people over 50. Most are harmless and are caused by years of sun exposure. But they should invite you to observe them. Consult your doctor if they:

• Are black;
• Change shape;
• Bleed;
• Have a rough edge.

“To avoid these phenomena, apply sunscreen and cover yourself from the sun. Avoid going out between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is at its peak.” calls back the doctor.

You notice some memory problems

Mild memory problems accompany aging and can begin as early as midlife. It may take you longer to remember names or facts or to remember why you went upstairs. “But most cases of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia don’t appear until age 65. And dementia is not a normal part of aging.” reassures the expert. To help keep your mind sharp, eat healthily, stay socially active, and exercise regularly.

Your joints become (a little) painful

Not everyone gets stiff joints as they age. But the risks of osteoarthritis increase with age. Men tend to have symptoms after the age of 45 and women after the age of 55. Unfortunately, there is no cure for osteoarthritis, but it is still possible to slow the progression of the disease. One hour of exercise per week, for example, may be enough to feel better. “Focus on flexibility, strength training and aerobic exercises. says the doctor. If you are new to sports, consult your doctor first.

Your skin is drier

With age, the skin produces less sebum. It can quickly become dry and dull, especially if you are over 40. But dryness can also be caused by things you do (or don’t do). To avoid it:

• Take short baths or showers, with lukewarm water, not hot;
• Clean your skin gently and hydrate well;
• Drink plenty of fluids;
• Don’t spend too much time in dry air.

If your skin is still very dry and itchy, also consult a dermatologist, to rule out any medical problems.

You bruise quickly

Do you notice more frequent bruising on your legs? It is also a sign of age. This phenomenon actually becomes more frequent from the age of 60. “Your skin thins and loses fat as you age. Your blood vessels also become more fragile” underlines the doctor. Some medications can also cause more bruising. Rest assured though, most bruises are harmless and go away on their own. On the other hand, two cases should lead you to consult:

• You often have many large bruises, especially on your chest, back or face;
• You started bruising after you started taking a new medication.

You have difficulty climbing stairs

It is normal to sometimes have difficulty climbing stairs. But if it happens often as you get older, it may mean you’ll have difficulty performing other daily activities. “It may be because you don’t exercise regularly. If so, consult your doctor, then gradually add stair climbing to your routine.” evokes Dr. Paul Baby. You might also have pain or balance problems, or medications could be the cause. Consult your doctor to rule out problems such as heart problems or osteoarthritis if this difficulty is disabling you.

Your waist is getting thicker

Body fat tends to shift toward the belly as you age. This is especially true for women after menopause. Regardless of your age, a thick waist can lead to health problems like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Risks increase when your waist measures more than 89 cm if you are a woman or more than 100 cm if you are a man. To avoid this or reduce the risks, exercise regularly and focus on a healthy diet.

You lose strength in your hands

Maybe you find that your hands have to work harder to open a jar or that your grip on the steering wheel isn’t as firm? It is also a sign of age. Your grip strength usually begins to decline around age 50. To keep your hands strong, keep them nimble: play with clay, or crush an anti-stress ball regularly. Be careful, though, if you suddenly lose your grip strength, it could be a sign of arthritis, nerve damage, or another health problem. Consult.

You are having vision problems

After age 40, you’ll probably have difficulty seeing up close, such as reading a menu. This is called presbyopia. But aging can also lead to more serious problems like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. To reduce your risks:

• Wear sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB rays;
• Stop smoking;
• Eat healthily;
• Exercise;
• See an ophthalmologist for exams every year.

Your periods become less regular

Typically, periods become less regular in your late 30s or early 40s. This is what we call perimenopause, the period before menopause. What is actually happening? Your body produces less estrogen and your periods may be lighter and shorter, or less frequent. A normal phenomenon but which may lead you to consult if your periods suddenly become very different or painful, particularly in your thirties. This could be a sign of early menopause.