Science Of Ageing

Skin -Changes in the connective tissue reduce the skin's elasticity.As we age,two components of our    skin,collagen and elastin,degenerate, causing wrinkles
Muscles-As muscles age,they begin to shrink and lose mass.The number and size of muscle fibre decreases 
making muscles less responsive in our 60s than they were in ours 20s.
Bones-The mineral content of bones decreases over time,making them less dense and more fragile. Osteoporosis can develop in both women and men
Heart-Becomes less able to pump blood quickly,We tend to get tired more easily
Never Cell- Decrease in number which may cause the spinal cord to atrophy
Stomach-produces less acid after 50,which makes it difficult to absorb Vitamin B12
Joints-Motion of joints becomes restricted,Result:-flexibility declines
Handgrip-Sttength goes down,making routine taks difficult
Cartilage-Begin to break down ,leading to arthritis
Height-Progressively decreases,after the age of 40,the average height loss is ablut 0.4 inches every 10 years


Age at which senses may change
At 40 years-vision and taste visual acuity begins to decline,Number of taste buds decreases
At 50 years-Hearing ,the sharpness of hearing may decline shightly beginning at this age
At 60 years-Smell ,The olfactory senses diminish as one approaches the age of 60-70.


Helping yours body cope with the changes
Mental Acuity-B vitamins and physical activity cur the risk of Alzheimers's
Vision :- Vitamin C,E and Beta Carotine with Zinc may help cut degeneration in those at high risk of eye diseases.
Bones-Peak bone mass occurs at the age of 35,Walking,jogging,weight training can preserve bones.
Muscles:-Weight training exercises may help slow age related muscles loss.
Stomach:-Eat fibre,women should eat 25g daily and men 38g
Blood:-Vitamin B12-Fortified foods prevent anaemia,heart and nerve problems after 50
Heart:-At least 30 mintues of brisk physical activity daily,Eat more fibre-rich foods such as oat-meal to help reduce blood cholesterol.Limit sodium to keep blood-pressure under check,Skip transfats.
Skin-Quit smoking ,it causes premature wrinkles and ageing ,Limit sun exposure,use sun-screen
Joints:- Try to strengthen those quadriceps to help prevent osteoarthritis,specially in the knees.To relieve pain and symptoms,apply heat to joints.There is a range of motion exercices that are good for the joints.But don't forget to warm up before begining a work-out
(As per in India today -June 2007)