No matter how old we are, as long as we come home and have our parents there, we always feel like a child. They are always our safe haven. But when we thought our parents were still young, the marks of time quietly climbed up their temples. The signs of aging in the elderly are inevitable, but how can we alleviate them?
Signs of Aging in the Elderly
1. Yellowed Teeth
Saliva can wash away bacteria on the teeth, but after the age of 40, saliva decreases and its ability to remove bacteria weakens, making the gums more prone to decay and deterioration.
2. Body Odor
First is the unpleasant smell of bad breath. Secondly, as sweat glands shrink, the body's ability to eliminate toxins decreases, resulting in body odor. Additionally, if the elderly cannot control their bladder and do not change clothes frequently, it can also lead to body odor.
3. Hearing Loss
Starting from the age of 50, many parts of the ears begin to have problems, and the ability to distinguish tones, especially high-frequency sounds, becomes increasingly difficult. This is caused by insufficient blood supply to the inner ear and ischemia of the labyrinth.
4. Breathlessness when Climbing Stairs
Aging first leads to systemic vascular sclerosis, poor blood supply to the myocardium, and decreased heart function, resulting in a lack of energy in the body. Normal individuals do not have too many residues after breathing, while the elderly have more residues due to weakened lung function, resulting in obvious breathlessness.
Muscle function in the elderly begins to atrophy, which also exacerbates breathlessness.
5. Decreased Erection Angle in Males
After the age of 30, male sexual function declines by 30% every 5 years. In old age, the decline in androgen levels is more pronounced from 50 to 70 years old.
How to Delay Aging in the Elderly
1. Music
A lively and melodious piece of music can dispel unhappiness in your heart and make you happy and carefree. At this time, the body's neuroendocrine system is in its best state, achieving the effect of harmonizing internal and external factors and promoting blood circulation.
2. Calligraphy and Painting
Some people compare practicing calligraphy and painting to "non-exercise exercise." First, calligraphy emphasizes the idea, and when practicing, one must calm the mind, concentrate, and eliminate distractions. This is similar to the breathing exercises and mental focus in qigong. Secondly, both calligraphy and painting emphasize posture, requiring an upright head, level shoulders, an open chest, and suspended wrists. This concentrates the body's strength in the upper limbs, which is very similar to the postures in qigong practice.
3. Dancing
Experimental research has shown that even slow dancing in ballroom dancing consumes 3-4 times more energy than being in a state of rest. Furthermore, when dancing, the dancer must coordinate with the music, which requires full concentration on the music and dance steps. Combined with the relaxed and enjoyable music accompaniment and the enchanting lighting, it is not only a form of aesthetic enjoyment but also intoxicating for people.
What Foods do the Elderly Eat to Combat Aging?
1. Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which not only protects genetic structures and prevents cancer but also improves the skin and enhances vision.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in calcium, which can prevent osteoporosis. Additionally, the healthy bacteria in yogurt can maintain the health of the intestines and reduce intestinal diseases that come with age.
3. Corn
Corn, along with rice and wheat, is known as one of the world's three major crops. It is recognized as a "golden crop" and is a staple food that elderly people cannot live without.
4. Olive Oil
Olive oil can resist aging diseases. Scientists have found that the unsaturated fatty acids in olive oil can reduce the incidence of heart disease and cancer.
