Life goes by in an instant: yesterday you may have been sitting at your desk, and in the near future you may be preparing to watch your grandchildren. This doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to youth completely, but there are a few things you should keep in mind
The human body is amazing and surprises us again and again. Sometimes surprises are unpleasant and it is better to know about them in advance. What to expect from your body after 40, see the selection below.
1. Voice pitch changes
Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center note that as we age, our vocal cords weaken, thin and lose elasticity. As a result, the voice may become higher in men and lower in women. Both sexes may also notice that their voices lose their strength. Most often, such age-related changes affect those people who had to talk or sing a lot.
2. The skin loses its elasticity
With age, the amount of fat in the facial area decreases, according to representatives of Harvard Medical School. If before the face looked smooth, fresh and elastic, after 40 it starts to "sag" and become covered with wrinkles.
3. Decreases muscle mass
Those who have reached the age of 40 will have to deal with the consequences of such a phenomenon as sarcopenia - loss of muscle mass and strength. According to scientists, men tend to lose 3-5% of their muscle mass every decade, starting at age 30. "This disease actually starts at 30, but because of its slow progression, you won't notice its effects until you're 40," said USA Rx CEO Chris Riley.
4. Hormonal background changes
With age, one of the most common complaints is related to a decrease in libido. This may be due to hormonal changes that begin around age 40 in both men (decreased testosterone levels) and women (decreased estrogen and testosterone levels). In addition to problems with libido, difficulty sleeping and weight loss, irritability and anxiety can also be observed. And also "brain fog", or "cloudy head syndrome", in which there are difficulties with concentration, forgetfulness and confusion. To avoid such unpleasant consequences, Dr. Mindy Peltz advises to review your lifestyle: change your diet and learn how to cope with stress.
5. Hair is starting to thin
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, hair loss with age threatens not only men but also women. Approximately 40% of the fairer sex will experience noticeable hair loss after they pass their fifties. But even those lucky ones who will lose 50-100 hairs a day, which is the norm, will take longer to regrow.
6. Worse cognitive function
According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, cognitive (mental) functions, which include memory and attention, decline by 3.6% from the age of 40.
7. Changes occur at the cellular level
As we age, our cells age, stop working properly, or die. And an important role here is played by mitochondria - the "power stations" of the cell. Their wear and tear can directly affect the cells' ability to function at an optimal level, leading to a deterioration of the body's condition. From constant fatigue to a weakened immune system, according to Noel Reid, Ph. D. At the same time, age-related failures in the work of mitochondria and their destruction can be slowed down by playing sports.
