As the years go by, aging is a natural and irreversible process that must occur. Despite our best efforts to avoid it, aging is a natural process that happens over time. Aging is sometimes viewed unfavorably since it can change how you look and how people perceive you in social settings. In addition, it may affect your general health in various physical and psychological ways. But it all relies on your personal perspective on aging. There are folks who are in their 80s or 90s and are still in good physical and mental health.

Additionally, there is no set age at which ageing starts. It is based on the individual's lifestyle and state of health.You can start to notice the first signs of ageing in your late 20s or early 30s. These typically show up as changes in your skin or hair. This leads to an increase in the use of cosmetics that promise anti-aging effects. As you get older, there is also an increase in demand for additional prescriptions. To better your chances of living a long and healthy life, let's grasp the physical and psychological impacts of ageing.

According to research, aging can eventually have an impact on all of your organ systems. This covers your digestive system, respiratory system, neurological system, cardiovascular system, neural system, skeletal system, and other systems. As you become older, your organs' functional efficiency decreases. This happens because as you age, the natural cell division process that creates your tissues slows down. Your cells eventually deteriorate and function less effectively than when you were young.

Your cardiovascular system comes first. Over the age of 60, the heart's muscle fiber begins to deteriorate. It can happen sooner in some people. It becomes more challenging to move blood throughout your body, and some muscle groups may even die from blood or oxygen shortage.

In addition to physical changes, aging has a number of psychological impacts that can make life less enjoyable. As soon as you start to notice the first physical symptoms of ageing, psychological repercussions may start to manifest. Because it affects their social and professional lives, both men and women are becoming more aware of their appearance and body type. Anxiety, mild to moderate depression, and increased distress could result from this. 

1. Isolation

Your elderly loved one might be unable to accept invitations to social events due to memory concerns, decreased mobility, and other age-related problems. He or she may find it difficult to maintain a social life as they age, which raises the possibility of isolation. Encourage your loved one to socialize in the neighborhood so they can make new friends and keep their existing ones. Keeping in touch with friends, family, and colleagues could help your loved one avoid isolation and maintain social engagement.

2. Family Issues

Your loved one may be unable to handle the distress that comes with family issues in their later years, which may prohibit them from engaging in meaningful work. Unresolved issues from the past may prevent your loved one from engaging in worthwhile activities, particularly if events are attended by relatives who the person no longer gets along with. Develop coping mechanisms for your loved one to use while they come to terms with family issues and family-related distress.

3. Poor Self- Esteem

Chronic illnesses like dementia and Parkinson's disease can cause fear and grief as well as have a detrimental impact on one's self-esteem. Your loved one's confidence and quality of life may increase if you support them in taking on new challenges and completing old ones. Your assistance may reassure your loved one if they decide to switch therapies or accept assistance from family members or trained caretakers.

4. Poor Hygiene

Your loved one's inability to maintain good hygiene may be caused by poor mental health or cognitive impairment. Help your parent get dressed, and make sure they have clean, well-fitting clothing on hand at all times when it comes to their look. Seniors' mental and emotional health can improve when they look their best.

5. Substance Abuse

Seniors may turn to harmful substances that have an adverse effect on their mental and physical health as a result of watching their health deteriorate, moving out of their homes, and other changes brought on by ageing. However, assisting your parents in creating effective coping mechanisms for difficult situations may lessen the likelihood that they may abuse alcohol and/or drugs. For instance, seeking out mentors or engaging in enjoyable activities can reduce the likelihood that your loved one would turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism for major issues.

6. Financial Issues

When ageing, older persons may encounter a range of psychosocial issues, including anxiety brought on by financial stress. Concerns about money could harm the mental and emotional health of your loved one. Look for financial options your loved one could be eligible for, such as free food services, subsidized prescriptions, lower utility costs, and transportation programs, to relieve worry and improve their quality of life.

Accepting that you will become older as the years go by is the first step to living a better life. It is a normal process and nothing to be embarrassed of. By accepting this reality, you can also protect yourself from any psychological harm.

Prioritizing your physical and emotional health is the next stage. People frequently neglect their personal and professional lives. To maintain a higher quality of life, it is crucial to put your health first. Long-term benefits of exercise, walking, and other physical activity are enormous. You might also try relaxing hobbies like yoga, meditation, stretching, etc. that are good for both your physical and mental health.

Enhance your diet, drink more water, and stay away from processed foods and beverages. The use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit substances should be minimized. Maintain a positive social network and take part in endorphin-boosting activities. Visit your doctor or an Online Counsellor at TalktoAngel, India’s No 1 Online Counselling platform and connect with the Best Psychologist in India frequently to reduce the likelihood of any disease or anomaly developing late in life.

Contributed by: Dr(Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach &  Ms. Aditi Bhardwaj