Gray hair isn’t the only thing that changes as you age. It starts with tiny irritations that add up over time. At first, they’re not even noticeable. From one birthday to the next they build up until everyday life feels slightly more tiresome. Here are 13 little frustrations that just keep getting worse with age.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Memory lapses in everyday tasks
It’s perfectly normal to have occasional memory lapses as you age. You might forget where you left your keys, someone’s name, or where you parked your car. As you age, your short-term memory may become a little slower, which is why these small lapses occur. However, if they become frequent or begin to interfere with your daily life, it’s important to consult a doctor.
Shoes suddenly feel uncomfortable
One day you put on your favorite shoes and they just don’t feel right. It’s not that the shoes have changed, it’s your feet. As the years go by, you lose some of that natural padding and your foot shape shifts, so comfort becomes harder to find. Good supportive, softer pairs make all the difference.
Devices feel complicated
At times, it seems like you need an engineering degree to change a setting on your phone. As our devices get “smarter,” they also get more complicated and that can leave older adults frustrated. Routine tasks like adjusting the volume or installing an app can become a mini battle.
Clothes shrink or sag differently
Clothes don’t fit in the same way as you age, since your skin elasticity and body shape change. Additionally, laundering and use may cause fabrics to shrink or droop. These factors can make clothes feel less comfortable or flattering.
Clutter feels overwhelming faster
You can’t walk by that one drawer that’s not perfectly organized or the few things on the counter that are out of place without it screaming at you. It’s like those little things that you used to tune out in your busy life are now front and center, sucking the energy out of you.
The thing is, scientists have realized this too. It seems as we age our threshold for visual and auditory stimuli becomes a lot less tolerant, so the daily mess starts to get on our nerves and drain us.
Paperwork multiplies
It seems that as we age the paperwork never ends. Bills, doctor forms, insurance claims, letters, it never ends. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Being organized with folders, computer aids, or a simple file system can save time and stress.
Noise becomes more annoying
Isn’t it strange how suddenly your ears become so much more sensitive to noise? Traffic and televisions, even a neighbor’s song, can sound much louder and more grating. Retreat to the quiet when you can and protect your ears from the harsher environments.
Sleep feels unpredictable
Many older adults report lighter sleep, more frequent nighttime awakenings, and waking up earlier in the morning. There are changes in circadian rhythms as we age and also age-related medical conditions that may play a role in this common phenomenon. Simple measures like regular sleep timing, limited use of electronics at night, and relaxing bedtime routines may help promote better overall sleep.
Small aches in unexpected places
As you get older, muscles weaken and joints begin to wear out, and aches can show up in the most surprising places. Pain can even be set off by simple daily movements. Regular gentle exercise, stretching, and a healthy weight can help with pain and keep your body moving well.
Food digestion surprises you
You sit down to a meal and suddenly your stomach doesn’t feel like it used to. Even foods that were fine before can cause bloating or heartburn. As the digestive system ages, enzymes decrease and digestion slows.
Making small changes such as eating smaller portions and staying hydrated while avoiding foods that cause irritation will greatly improve digestion.
Unexpected skin sensitivities and reactions
Aging skin becomes thinner, paler, and less elastic. This makes it more vulnerable to irritants, allergens and bruising (such as senile purpura). By using mild products and avoiding irritants such as harsh chemicals, and by protecting skin from extreme environments, these reactions can be minimized.
People assume you know less
Sometimes, just because you’ve gotten older, people think you are out of touch or less able. This could be in the workplace, in social interactions, or in friendly small talk. Don’t let them put you down. Show them what you can do and tell them about your experience.
It takes forever to recover from a minor illness
Your body takes slightly longer to recover from even the slightest cold or stomach bug than it used to. Days that were manageable are now a week of feeling sluggish or slightly achy. Your immune response is slower by just a hair, making every little illness feel like it’s sucking all your energy.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
