The Most Common Signs of Aging

Aging is an inevitable part of life. There's no way to escape the long reach of Father Time. Some people seem to age overnight, while others retain their youthful appearance well into their 40s or even 50s. No matter what, though, at some point in every person's life, the signs of aging will begin to appear.

The most common signs of aging are fine lines, wrinkling, and even sagging skin. These are normally the first to develop as you age. The reason they develop as you grow older is because your body is unable to produce as much elastin protein and collagen. These are essentially the building blocks of your skin that determine its elasticity and firmness.

When you were a child and young adult, your body could easily make elastin proteins and collagen. After your mid-20s, your body stops producing as many elastin proteins. This causes your skin to become less firm and elastic, making it much easier for fine lines, sagging skin and wrinkles to develop.

Age spots are another sign of aging. Small brown spots crop up along the body as a result of the skin aging. Gray hair is also a sign of aging. Most people recognize this sign first, attempting to recapture their youth by dying it.

Some other signs of aging include shortening and weakening of the bones. With time the bones become weak and the body shortens, people often say they have lost inches with age. This actually happens. The cartilage deteriorates as well as the bones, and this causes the body to shorten. The ability to see well deteriorates, as well as the ability to hear. Many elderly have to use glasses or hearing aids to compensate for these losses.

Most of the signs I've already mentioned are related to your outer appearance, but there are some signs of aging that are harder to see. Heart health deteriorates, just as the gastrointestinal tract has a harder time moving food readily thorough the intestines. The kidneys don't function as well and there can be a decrease in urine output. Muscle tone and strength decrease, making it harder to walk, work and perform daily activities.

What can you do to prevent these signs of aging? Some of the best things that you can do to prevent these signs of aging are eating healthy, drinking lots of water, exercising, and avoiding too much UV exposure.

There are many signs of aging, but the biggest ones that bother people are the outward signs listed above. Just remember as you grow older, what matters most is what's on the inside and your overall health.