You may find yourself looking in the mirror and asking, “What’s going on with my aging body?” You may get up from a chair and feel every bone grinding and grating as you walk across the room. Or maybe your stomach is always upset after eating your usual food, or exercising has become more difficult. Is this normal?
Yes, if you’ve reached the age where you can be considered a senior citizen, this is part of the normal aging process. Let’s talk about how your organ systems change as you get older.
Cardiovascular System
The Heart
- The heart muscle and blood vessels become stiffer
- Blood pressure may start to creep up
- Reserve capacity of the heart decreases
Respiratory System
The Lungs
- Elasticity of the lungs decreases
- Muscles related to breathing weaken
Musculoskeletal System
Bones, Muscles, and Joints
- Bone mass and strength decreases
- Bones become brittle and break more easily
- Joints become less flexible
Integumentary
The Skin
- Skin becomes thin, wrinkles, and sags
- Easier bruising
- You sweat less
- Hair becomes thinner or falls out
Nervous System
The Brain and Nerves
- Signals are transmitted less efficiently
- Reaction times may be slowed
Endocrine System
Hormones
- Insulin becomes less efficient in managing glucose
- Thyroid activity declines
Digestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
- Motility of the gut is slowed
- Drug metabolism may be altered
Urinary System
Kidneys and Bladder
- Kidney function diminishes
- Weakening of bladder muscles
Lymphatic System
Immune Function
- The body’s ability to fight infection declines
What can you do about these changes?
First, accept them as a normal part of aging. Love your body for what it has allowed you to do thus far in your life. Go easy on it now so it will continue to serve you well, albeit at a slower pace.
Second, continue to exercise. Modify your routine to accommodate an older body. Walking is less stressful on knees and other joints than jogging. Swimming is an excellent low-impact activity. Don’t forget to warm up and cool down.
Third, you may need to adjust your diet by taking in less calories to guard against weight gain. Include more healthy fruits and vegetables and less processed foods and sweets.
Fourth, try to aim for 6-8 hours of quality sleep every night. Set some good bedtime habits by limiting screen time, avoiding large meals, caffeine, and alcohol, and keeping your bedroom cool and dark.
Fifth, keep the lines of communication with your healthcare team open. Be sure to follow their recommendations for check-ups, screenings, and tests. Discuss any concerns regarding new symptoms or changes in your body. Keep your medication list up to date.
Conclusion
Aging should not be dreaded or become a cause for concern. It is a normal part of life, one that everyone who lives long enough will experience. By embracing it, you can enjoy this well-earned stage of life, where a slower pace allows for contemplation and reflection.
References
Boss GR, Seegmiller JE. Age-related physiological changes and their clinical significance. West J Med. 1981 Dec;135(6):434-40.
Baynes JW. Aging. In: Baynes JW, Dominiczak MH, eds. Medical Biochemistry. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 29.
Previll LA, Heflin MT, Cohen HJ. The aging patient. In: Wing EJ, Schiffman FJ, eds. Cecil Essentials of Medicine. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 126.
Walston JD. Common clinical sequelae of aging. In: Goldman L, Schafer Al, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 22.
Stefanacci RG. Changes in the body with aging. Merck Manual, Consumer Version. Reviewed/Revised April 2024. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/older-people-s-health-issues/the-aging-body/changes-in-the-body-with-aging. Accessed February 26, 2025.