What's Happening To Your Body?

Have you ever looked closely at your Mother or Grandmother and wondered if you’ll look like them in a few decades? There is no reason why you won’t. But there is no reason why you have to. Some medical professionals, nutrition specialists and personal trainers claim we can live healthier, longer lives than the generations that came before us. 

Whether it’s true or not, it’s always worth considering what will happen to our bodies as we age from
decade to decade.

Most of us in our teens or early twenties are doing our best to enjoy life. Sure, we might be trying to get a good education or establish a great career. But fun is high up on our agenda. So why is it our parents and grandparents are forever telling us to slow down and consider the future? Can what we do right now really have that big an impact on our bodies in fifty years time? Surely there is time to enjoy a few lates now and worry about health later?

---

Picture source

Teens

The biggest changes in our bodies occur when we hit our teens. If we’re underweight or overweight, this can delay puberty. It can also wreak havoc with our early menstrual cycles. And a poor diet may contribute to acne-ridden skin. Most of these problems are hormone related. We get 

moody and teary. But what we eat can be responsible for messing up those hormones. If you want a balanced, focussed and healthy mind and body, maybe eating a balanced diet can help.

Some doctors still say that poor nutrition during the teenage years can lead to a shorter stature and later puberty onset. But how is this going to be a problem later in life? The teenage years are notorious for being unpleasant and difficult. And we all move on and forget about the worst of it. However, some studies are showing that an obsession with eating habits in our teens can lead to a lifetime of bad eating choices.

Twenties

Once we reach our twenties we are fully grown. Our early twenties are the best years for physical prowess. We are at our strongest and most agile physically during these few years. We are also at our most fertile, although few women feel ready to start families at the age of twenty. Mentally we are maturing rapidly, although the change in our social structures may be responsible for that.

Picture source

We are also keen to enjoy our bodies most at this age. The inhibitions and shyness of the teenage years has gone. While we’re not necessarily ready to settle down, we’re keen to experience as much as possible. As we near the end of our twenties, it’s possible that some of the signs of aging are starting to show themselves already.

Thirties

Picture source

Babies can be really hard work, and it will show on your face and body. A lack of physical fitness before and after pregnancy can make it really difficult to get your body back. Once you become a parent, you’ll find you’re more concerned about healthy eating and exercise than ever. 

You may also start to become concerned about your career options and pension, especially if you have a mortgage. This is why the late thirties can be one of the most stressful times in your life. ​Stress is just one of the things that can contribute to the signs of aging. By the end of the thirties, you may be trying to maintain a healthy weight while juggling parenthood, marriage and a career. It’s not going to be easy, and you may wish you had taken more care in your younger years.
​

Forties

During the forties, your body will dramatically change again. As your era of fertility comes to an end, the hormones in your body will wreak havoc with your appearance and moods. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help reduce their impact. Some people try nutrition-based programs like cenegenics to prevent the signs of aging that are common during this decade. Others try more radical ideas like cosmetic surgery.
​
Your body will age noticeably during this decade. Bones will weaken, muscles will lose their tone, and skin will sag more. Good eating habits and exercise habits established earlier in life will stand you in good stead now. Now is also the time to consider changing your hair and skin products for those that are designed for older skin.

Fifties 
​and Sixties

​The family has grown up and moved on, and you may have more time for yourself. This might invigorate you and help you relish life. Or it might have the opposite effect. As your body slows down, you may feel more lethargic and less lively. With no kids to look after, it can be easy to spend less time being physically active. You may also be approaching the end of your working life. Perhaps you're considering how you want to spend your retirement.

Your body may be aching a lot more than it used to. This can be due to early arthritis problems. You should also consider your heart health and risk of stroke or diabetes. The hormone changes during your forties may have increased your risk. Keep in touch with your doctor. There are links between poor health in younger life with poor health in retirement.

Seventy Plus

Picture source

Now you are retired, you have far more time on your hands. This time can be spent enjoying new activities, or resurrecting old ones. By now your body will be noticeably aged. You may have deep lines and wrinkles all over your face and body. Age spots may be evident on skin that is most exposed to sunlight. And your hair may have thinned, leaving your scalp more exposed to harmful UV rays.

There are many older people of this age and beyond that still enjoy very active lives. Many of these people were very active throughout their lives from their teen years. Will you be enjoying that extra drink on Saturday night, or planning for the next fifty years?

---

​by Iconic Chica Contributors