Aging of individual organs
As we age, we all go through the process at a different pace. Just like our bodies, each of our organs also start the aging process at different points in our lives. Moreover, the rate of this process varies among our eyes, bones, heart, or brain. It is important to understand these differences to help us plan appropriate care for each organ at an early stage, thereby reducing the probability of developing serious diseases. By discovering at what stage our organs are aging, we can take the first step towards living a longer and healthier life.
40 years
Eyes
As we age, our vision undergoes a natural process that affects everyone. There are different stages and age-related changes that can impact the quality of our vision, starting around the age of 40. At this point, the lens of the eye loses its ability to focus on close objects, making reading at close distances more difficult. Additionally, there may be a loss of lens transparency, leading to reduced visual acuity. As we grow older, our eyes take longer to adjust to changes in lighting, such as moving from bright light to darkness. To prevent eye diseases, it's important to avoid smoking and wear sunglasses to protect against UV radiation. Both smoking and exposure to the sun can speed up the formation of cataracts.
70 years
Brain
As we grow older, our brain undergoes several age-related changes that can affect our cognitive abilities. Memory issues may arise in people as young as in their 40s, but after the age of 70, the changes in the brain tend to accelerate. Brain mass decreases with age, especially in areas responsible for complex thought functions and learning. Blood flow through the brain also decreases, affecting its nourishment. The amount of neurotransmitters is impaired with age, which can affect communication between nerve cells, leading to difficulties in concentration, planning, problem-solving, and other cognitive functions. Although both types of memory can weaken with age, short-term memory is often more affected than long-term memory.
40 years
Muscles
As we grow older, our muscles tend to weaken, and body fat increases. This process becomes more pronounced after we reach 40 years of age. This is due to several reasons, including hormonal deficiencies like low levels of testosterone or insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). Additionally, our muscles tend to lose the ability to synthesize proteins quickly, and most of us tend to neglect physical activities with age. To prevent muscle loss, it is essential to include physical activity in your daily routine. Failure to do so may cause you to lose almost 8 kg of muscle by the time you reach 70 years of age.
60 years
Hearing
Hearing loss related to age tends to happen slowly, but it affects about 1 in 3 people between the ages of 65 and 74. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to prevent or slow down this process. However, it's important to note that listening to loud music or being exposed to noise on a daily basis can quicken the process.
35 years
Bones
Bone mass tends to decrease at a rate of up to 1% per year after the age of 35, and this decline happens more quickly after menopause. The hormone responsible for maintaining bone mass and structure is estrogen. To prevent bone loss and maintain healthy bones, it is important to consume regular amounts of calcium and vitamin D, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Above all, weight-bearing exercises have a highly beneficial effect on bone density.
65 years
Heart
As we age, the number of heart muscle cells in our body decreases while their size increases, leading to the thickening and reduced elasticity of the heart wall. Additionally, arteries tend to become stiffer with age. A gradual decrease of about 10% per decade in peak aerobic capacity, also known as VO2max, begins at the age of 30 and continues throughout our lifetime. Heart diseases are more likely to manifest themselves around the age of 60-65, as we grow older.
30 years
Lungs
As we age, our lung function gradually declines, typically at a rate of 1% per year from the age of 30. Although age is the primary factor influencing this decrease, other factors such as smoking tobacco, exposure to harmful substances, or chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can speed up this process. Moreover, leading a sedentary lifestyle can also accelerate the decline in lung function. Therefore, it is important to take care of our lungs and adopt healthy habits to maintain their optimal function as we age.
50 years
Kidneys
As we age, the decline in kidney function starts around the age of 50 which can go unnoticed. To ensure your kidneys function well, it is recommended to drink plenty of water. As people tend to feel less thirsty with age, it's important to remind yourself to stay well hydrated. This simple step can go a long way in taking good care of your kidneys.
18 years
Skin
As we grow older, our skin naturally loses some of its elasticity and resilience due to the decline in collagen and elastin production. However, there are steps you can take to help slow down this process and keep your skin looking youthful. Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes avoiding tobacco smoke, maintaining a nutritious diet, and using sunscreen can go a long way in protecting your skin and keeping it healthy.
60 years
Intestines
As we age, the villi in our intestines, which are responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food we eat, tend to flatten and lose their shape. This can result in difficulty digesting food and absorbing essential nutrients. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and consider supplements to ensure proper nutrient absorption as we get older.
