Retirement Life
28 April 2025
What happens when we age?
What happens when we age?
We all know aging comes with a few more wrinkles and the odd grey hair (or no hair at all!), but what about the stuff that sneaks up on you…like stiffer joints, slower digestion, or forgetting where you left your glasses? The good news is, while aging is natural, there’s plenty you can do to stay feeling your best.
Here’s a few insights into what happens to your body as you get older, and some simple things you can do to stay feeling good and living well.
Your heart and blood vessels
As we get older, our blood vessels and arteries stiffen up a bit, which means the heart has to work harder to keep things moving. You might not notice much at rest, but during exercise, your heart might not rev quite like it used to. That’s totally normal, but it can raise the risk of high blood pressure and other heart-related issues.
Top tips: Keep moving! Daily walks, swimming, dancing – whatever gets you going – will help. Eat plenty of veggies, lean protein and whole grains, and cut back on saturated fats and salt. Don’t smoke (your heart hates it), and find ways to unwind, whether it’s meditation, gardening, or chatting with friends. Oh, and don’t skimp on sleep, your heart loves it as much as you do.
Your bones, joints and muscles
Ever felt like you’ve shrunk a little? You’re not imagining it. Bones naturally lose density over time, making them more fragile. And muscles lose some strength and flexibility, which can mess with your balance and coordination – and increase your risk of falls.
Top tips: Calcium and vitamin D are your best buddies here – think dairy, leafy greens, and a little sunshine. Strength training or weight-bearing exercises like walking and light resistance work are great too. And go easy on smoking and alcohol, both can weaken bones and raise your fall risk.
Calculate what you could draw in retirement.
Your digestion
Constipation tends to pop up more as we age. Why? Well, it could be less exercise, not drinking enough water, or eating too many low-fibre foods. Some medications or health conditions like diabetes can also play a role.
Top tips: Load up on fibre from fruits, veg, and whole grains. Drink plenty of water, stay active, and if nature’s calling – don’t put it off. Holding it in just makes things worse.
Your bladder and urinary tract
Needing to go more often? Not making it to the loo in time? You’re not alone. As we age, the bladder can lose elasticity, and pelvic floor muscles can weaken. Men might
experience issues due to an enlarged prostate, and factors like diabetes, certain meds, or even caffeine can make it worse.
Top tips: Go regularly, rather than waiting. Try Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. Cut back on caffeine, acidic foods, and alcohol, which can all irritate your bladder. And keep constipation at bay, it can make bladder problems worse. Losing a bit of extra weight and quitting smoking can also really help.
Your brainpower and memory
The brain changes with age, too. It's normal to occasionally forget a name or misplace your glasses as we get older. It’s usually nothing serious, but definitely frustrating.
Top tips: Keep your mind sharp with puzzles, reading, or even learning a new skill. Staying active helps your brain too, plus it lifts your mood. Eating well and socialising are just as important (laughter really is good medicine!). And if you’re worried, have a chat with your GP, it’s always worth checking.
Your eyes and ears
You might notice it’s harder to read small print or adjust to dim lighting. Glare can be annoying, and cataracts become more common. Hearing-wise, you might struggle with higher-pitched sounds or following conversations in noisy places.
Top tips: Regular eye and hearing checks are a must, don’t put them off. Protect your eyes with sunnies and protect your ears from loud noises. If glasses or hearing aids help, use them - it’s all about quality of life.
The bottom line
Getting older isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t mean you can’t continue to live life to the fullest. Most age-related changes are completely normal, and with a few smart choices, you can manage them with confidence.
Stay active, eat well, keep your social connections strong, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice when you need it.
Project your retirement income.
Written by:
Vanessa Glennie
Vanessa is Head of Communications at Lifetime Retirement Income. She’s an experienced investment writer, having spent more than a decade writing about financial markets in the global fund management industry.
Invest with Lifetime for a retirement income managed for living.