As the body ages, changes occur in most of our body systems. Gray hair, wrinkled skin, weight changes, decreased muscular strength, and coordination are among the most visible physical signs of aging. With age, women are more likely to store fat in their hips and thighs where men store fat in their abdominal area. Without exercise muscle mass declines resulting in decreased strength and endurance, prolonged reaction time and disturbed coordination. Maintaining muscle mass will keep us independent and mobile.
Sensory changes occur affecting our vision, hearing, taste, feel and smell.
Beginning around age 40, we start having difficulty focusing close up. Changes in the retina affects our ability to adapt to changes in lighting and decreased ability to tolerate glare, making it more difficult to drive at night. Hearing loss is also common in older adults, with loss of tone discrimination, especially high-frequency tones. Speech discrimination is problematic when in noisy surroundings, such as a room full of people talking. Other sensory changes such as diminished sensitivity in taste and decreased sensitivity to smell and touch also occur.