Changes in the body after 40: What you need to know

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Changes in the body after 40: What you need to know

I. General health and age -related changes

The age of 40 years is an important milestone in human life. This is a period when age -related changes begin to appear more clearly, affecting almost all body systems. These changes are not always a sign of the disease, but they can increase the risk of developing certain diseases and require a revision of lifestyle. It is important to understand that the pace and severity of these changes are individual and depend on the genetic predisposition, lifestyle and state of human health in previous years.

A. Changes in the cardiovascular system:

  1. Reducing the elasticity of blood vessels: With age, the walls of arteries become less elastic, which leads to an increase in blood pressure. This is due to a decrease in the content of elastin and an increase in the content of collagen in the vascular wall. Increased blood pressure, in turn, increases the load on the heart and can contribute to the development of hypertension.
  2. Increasing the rigidity of the heart muscle: The heart muscle is also subjected to age -related changes. The amount of connective tissue increases, which reduces elasticity and worsens the ability of the heart to relax. This can lead to diastolic dysfunction, when the heart cannot be effectively filled with blood.
  3. Atherosclerosis: The accumulation of cholesterol and other fats on the walls of arteries leads to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques narrow the lumen of blood vessels, worsen blood flow and increase the risk of developing myocardial infarction and stroke. The risk of developing atherosclerosis increases with age, especially in the presence of risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  4. Irment of the rhythm of the heart: With age, the risk of developing various heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation, increases. These disorders can cause heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath and increase the risk of stroke.

B. Changes in the musculoskeletal system:

  1. Reducing muscle mass (sarcopenia): After 40 years, a gradual decrease in muscle mass and strength occurs. This process, known as sarcopenia, accelerates with age and can lead to a decrease in physical activity, deterioration of metabolism and increasing the risk of falls.
  2. Reduced bone density (osteoporosis): The bone density begins to decline after 30 years, but this process accelerates after 40 years, especially in women during menopause. A decrease in bone density increases the risk of fractures, especially fractures of the neck of the thigh, vertebrae and radial bone.
  3. Naming in Sustans (Osteoarthrosis): The cartilage covering the joint surfaces becomes thinner and less elastic. This leads to the development of osteoarthritis, which is characterized by pain, stiffness and limitation of mobility in the joints.
  4. Degenerative changes in the spine (osteochondrosis): Intervertebral discs that perform the role of shock absorbers between the vertebrae, lose water with age and become less elastic. This leads to the development of osteochondrosis, which can cause pain in the back, neck and limbs.

C. Changes in the endocrine system:

  1. Reducing the level of sex hormones: In men, after 40 years, a gradual decrease in testosterone level occurs, which can lead to a decrease in libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, a decrease in muscle mass and a deterioration in mood. In women during menopause, a sharp decrease in the level of estrogen and progesterone occurs, which causes various symptoms, such as flare, sweating, insomnia, dry vagina, changes in mood and decrease in bone density.
  2. Reduced thyroid function (hypothyroidism): With age, the risk of developing hypothyroidism increases, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces an insufficient amount of hormones. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight increase, constipation, dry skin and hair, as well as slowing down heart rate.
  3. Violation of glucose tolerance and increased risk of diabetes of type 2 diabetes: With age, the cells of the body become less sensitive to insulin, which leads to a violation of glucose tolerance and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

D. Changes in the digestive system:

  1. Reducing the secretion of digestive enzymes: With age, the secretion of digestive enzymes is reduced, which can lead to a deterioration in digestion and absorption of nutrients.
  2. Slow down intestinal motility: Intestinal peristalsis, i.e. Continuations of intestinal muscles, which promote food along the digestive tract, slows down with age. This can lead to constipation.
  3. Change in intestinal microflora: The composition of the intestinal microflora, i.e. The totality of microorganisms inhabiting the intestines changes with age. This can affect digestion, immunity and general health.

E. Changes in the nervous system:

  1. Reducing the speed of information processing: With age, the rate of information processing is reduced. This can lead to a slowdown in the reaction, worsening memory and concentration of attention.
  2. Reducing the number of neurons: With age, a gradual loss of neurons occurs, i.e. brain cells. This can lead to a decrease in cognitive functions, such as memory, attention and thinking.
  3. Changing the structure of the brain: With age, a change in the structure of the brain occurs, including a decrease in the volume of gray matter and an increase in the volume of white matter. This can affect cognitive functions and increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
  4. Visual and hearing deterioration: With age, vision and hearing deteriorate. The lens of the eye becomes less elastic, which makes it difficult to focus on close objects (presbyopia). The sensitivity of auditory receptors decreases, which makes it difficult to perceive high frequencies.

F. Changes in the skin and hair:

  1. Reducing skin elasticity: Collagen and elastin, providing skin elasticity, are destroyed with age. This leads to the appearance of wrinkles, dryness and sagging of the skin.
  2. The appearance of age spots: With age, the number of age spots on the skin increases, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
  3. Gray hair and hair loss: With age, the hair gets gray and falls out. This is due to a decrease in the amount of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color, and with a decrease in the number of hair follicles.

II. Prevention and maintenance of health after 40 years

Understanding age -related changes and taking measures for the prevention and maintenance of health allow you to maintain the quality of life and reduce the risk of diseases after 40 years. An important role is played by a way of life, including proper nutrition, physical activity, rejection of bad habits and regular medical examinations.

A. Proper nutrition:

  1. Balanced diet: The diet should be balanced and contain a sufficient amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. It is important to consume a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and low -fat protein sources.
  2. Limiting the consumption of saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol: Saturated fats and trans fats increase blood cholesterol, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis. Cholesterol is also contained in animal products, so it is important to limit the consumption of red meat, eggs and dairy products with a high fat content.
  3. Limiting sugar and salt consumption: Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight increase, the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Excessive salt consumption increases blood pressure.
  4. The use of a sufficient amount of fiber: Fiber is found in vegetables, fruits, whole grain products and legumes. It contributes to the normalization of digestion, a decrease in blood cholesterol and maintain normal weight.
  5. Maintaining water balance: It is important to use a sufficient amount of water during the day to maintain the body’s water balance. It is recommended to drink at least 1.5-2 liters of water per day.
  6. Consideration of taking vitamin and mineral additives: After 40 years, it may be necessary to take vitamin and mineral additives to compensate for the deficiency of nutrients. It is important to consult a doctor before taking any additives. Calcium and vitamin D are important for maintaining bone health, vitamin B12-for maintaining the nervous system, and omega-3 fatty acids-to maintain the health of the heart and blood vessels.

B. Physical activity:

  1. Regular physical exercises: Regular physical exercises help maintain health of the cardiovascular system, strengthen bones and muscles, control weight, improve mood and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
  2. Aerobic exercises: Aerobic exercises, such as walking, running, swimming and cycling, improve the work of the heart and lungs, reduce blood pressure and blood cholesterol.
  3. Power training: Power training helps strengthen muscles and bones, increase muscle mass and strength.
  4. Flexibility exercises: Flexibility exercises, such as stretching and yoga, help improve joint mobility and reduce the risk of injuries.
  5. Recommendations on intensity and duration: It is recommended to engage in aerobic exercises of moderate intensity of at least 150 minutes a week or aerobic exercises of high intensity of at least 75 minutes a week. Power training is recommended at least twice a week.

C. Refusal of bad habits:

  1. Refusal of smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for the development of many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).
  2. Alcohol use restriction: Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to the development of liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and other health problems.
  3. Avoiding drugs: Drug use has a destructive effect on health and can lead to death.

D. Regular medical examinations:

  1. Regular visits to a doctor: Regular visits to the doctor allow you to identify diseases in the early stages and begin timely treatment.
  2. Preventive examinations and screening: Preventive examinations and screening help to identify risk factors for the development of diseases and conduct preventive measures. It is recommended to regularly undergo screening for blood pressure, blood cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, colon cancer, breast cancer (for women) and prostate cancer (for men).
  3. Vaccination: Vaccination helps to protect against infectious diseases. It is recommended to regularly undergo vaccination from influenza, pneumococcal infection and other diseases.

E. Stress management:

  1. Relaxation methods: Chronic stress can have a negative effect on health. Relaxation methods, such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing, help reduce stress.
  2. Hobbies and social activity: Hobbies and participation in social activity help to distract from stress and improve mood.
  3. Appeal for help to a specialist: If you experience difficulties with stress management, seek help from a specialist, such as a psychologist or psychotherapist.

F. Seem:

  1. Sufficient sleep: A sufficient dream is necessary to restore the body and maintain health. It is recommended to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
  2. Compliance with sleep mode: Compliance with sleep mode, i.e. To go to bed and get up at the same time every day helps to improve the quality of sleep.
  3. Creating comfortable sleep conditions: Creating comfortable sleep conditions, such as silence, darkness and coolness, helps improve the quality of sleep.

III. Features of changes in the body of men after 40 years

After 40 years, men are faced with a number of specific changes associated with a decrease in testosterone levels and an increased risk of developing certain diseases.

A. A decrease in testosterone levels (male menopause):

  1. Symptoms: A decrease in testosterone levels can lead to a decrease in libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, a decrease in muscle mass, an increase in fat mass, a deterioration in mood, a decrease in concentration and memory worsening.
  2. Diagnosis: The diagnosis of a decrease in testosterone levels is made on the basis of blood tests for testosterone levels.
  3. Treatment: Treatment of a decrease in testosterone levels may include replacement therapy with testosterone, a change in lifestyle and taking drugs that improve erectile function.

B. Increasing the risk of developing prostate cancer:

  1. Screening: It is recommended to regularly undergo screening for prostate cancer, starting from 50 years (or earlier, if there are risk factors). Screening includes a blood test for a prostatic specific antigen (PSA) and a finger rectal examination.
  2. Risk factors: The risk factors for the development of prostate cancer include age, heredity, racial affiliation (African Americans have a higher risk), a high -fat diet and a low content of vegetables and fruits.

C. Erectile dysfunction:

  1. Reasons: Erectile dysfunction can be caused by various causes, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, hormonal disorders, neurological diseases, psychological factors and taking certain drugs.
  2. Treatment: Treatment of erectile dysfunction may include a change in lifestyle, taking drugs that improve erectile function, vacuum devices and surgical treatment.

IV. Features of changes in the body of women after 40 years

Women after 40 years face a number of specific changes associated with approaching menopause and an increased risk of developing certain diseases.

A. Perimenopausa and menopause:

  1. Symptoms: Perimenopausa and menopause are accompanied by various symptoms, such as flare, sweating, insomnia, dry vagina, mood changes, libido decrease, irregular menstruation and reducing bone density.
  2. Hormonal therapy: Hormonal therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of menopause, but its use is associated with certain risks, so it is necessary to discuss all the advantages and disadvantages with the doctor.
  3. Non -hormonal methods: Non -hormonal methods for alleviating symptoms of menopause include a change in lifestyle, taking plant drugs and other drugs.

B. Increasing the risk of osteoporosis:

  1. Screening: It is recommended to regularly undergo screening for osteoporosis, starting from 65 years (or earlier, if there are risk factors). Screening includes densitometry (DXA scanning).
  2. Prevention: Prevention of osteoporosis includes the use of a sufficient amount of calcium and vitamin D, physical activity and taking drugs that strengthen bones.

C. Increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases:

  1. After menopause: After menopause, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in women increases.
  2. Risk factors: It is important to control the risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and overweight.

V. Conclusion

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