Getting Older? 6 Signs of Aging to Watch For

Nobody wants to get old. If there was a miracle-cure for aging, it would be the most popular supplement or medication on the market. But there isn't one. Instead, the average life expectancy in the United States is about 78 years old.

Your best bet for aging well...Eat healthy foods like the meals you'll find on our Senior-Friendly menu, and exercise 30 to 60 minutes a day. Prevention is the best medicine to aging well and reducing your risk for chronic diseases.

But at some point, everyone begins to experience the effects of aging. If you or a loved one experience any of these warning signs of getting older, it's time for an intervention or doctor's appointment to avoid further problems:

1. Failure to keep up with daily routines. If personal care, grooming, and housekeeping becomes a problem, it may be time for home care or assisted living.
2. Memory loss. It's a normal part of the aging process. But memory loss may be caused by Alzheimer's disease or dementia. See your doctor if you notice things like forgetting names and dates, getting lost in familiar places, or becoming confused or disoriented.
3. Frequent falls. It's not uncommon to lose some sense of balance as you age. But if frequent falls are a regular thing, or you're having trouble navigating stairs, it's time for a check-up, and maybe assistance with walking.
4. Social isolation. Research shows that people who have strong social bonds are healthier, happier, and live longer. Make sure you or your loved one has opportunities to interact with others and spend time with family or friends.
5. Unexpected weight loss. If you or your loved one doesn't feel like eating, it may be a sign of depression or another health concern. See your doctor, and make sure you have access to healthy meals.  
6. Loss of taste or smell. Often, seniors lose their sense of taste or smell, and that can cause a decreased appetite. Adding some zing to their diet in the way of spices can bring their interest in food back to life.