Complications of Aging

About complications: Complications of Aging are secondary conditions, symptoms, or other disorders that are caused by Aging. In many cases the distinction between symptoms of Aging and complications of Aging is unclear or arbitrary.

Complications list for Aging: The list of complications that have been mentioned in various sources for Aging includes:

Complications of Aging: Aging itself does not cause incontinence. It may be caused by changes in your body due to disease. For example, incontinence may be the first and only symptom of a urinary tract infection. Curing the infection may relieve or cure the problem. Some drugs may cause incontinence or make it worse. Women of all ages have bladder control problems. Some younger women find they can't hold their urine after having a baby. Others have problems when they stop having periods. Many women over the age of 75 also have bladder control problems. ¹

There are two kinds of sleep in a normal sleep cycle - rapid eye movement or dreaming sleep (REM) and quiet sleep (non-REM). Everyone has about four or five cycles of REM and non-REM sleep a night. For older people, the amount of time spent in the deepest stages of non-REM sleep decreases. This may explain why older people are thought of as light sleepers. Although the amount of sleep each person needs varies widely, the average range is between 7 and 8 hours a night. As we age, the amount of sleep we can expect to get at any one time drops off. By age 75, for many reasons, some people may find they are waking up several times each night. But, no matter what your age, talk to a doctor if your sleep patterns change.²

Older people are at risk of hypothermia not only in cold weather, but in mildly cool temperatures as well. ³

As people age, the body’s ability to absorb and dispose of alcohol and other drugs changes. Anyone who drinks should check with a doctor or pharmacist about possible problems with drug and alcohol interactions.⁴

Did you know that many older people have good eyesight into their 80’s and beyond? Growing older does not always mean you see poorly. But age brings changes that can weaken your eyes.⁵

Cataracts are cloudy areas in part or all of the eye lens. The lens is usually clear and lets light through. Cataracts keep light from easily passing through the lens, and this causes loss of eyesight. Cataracts often form slowly and cause no pain, redness, or tearing in the eye. Some stay small and don’t change eyesight very much. If a cataract becomes large or thick, it usually can be removed by surgery.⁵

Glaucoma results from too much fluid pressure inside the eye. It can lead to vision loss and blindness. The cause of glaucoma is unknown. If treated early, glaucoma often can be controlled and blindness prevented. To find glaucoma, the eye doctor will look at your eyes through dilated pupils. Treatment may be prescription eye drops, oral medications, or surgery. Most people with glaucoma have no early symptoms or pain from increased pressure.⁵

Cancer strikes people of all ages, but you are more likely to get cancer as they get older, even if no one in the family has had it. The good news, is that the chances of surviving cancer are better today than ever before.⁶

As a group, older drivers are some of the country’s safest drivers. Fewer speed or drive after drinking alcohol than at any other age. However, compared to young and middle-age adults, people over 70 are more likely to be involved in a crash while driving and more likely to die in that crash. There are many reasons for this – some can be changed, but others cannot.⁷

Women may notice changes in the shape and flexibility of the vagina. These changes may not cause a serious loss in the ability to enjoy sex. Most women will have a decrease in vaginal lubrication that affects sexual pleasure. A pharmacist can suggest over the counter vaginal lubricants. ⁸

Men often notice more distinct changes. It may take longer to get an erection or the erection may not be as firm or as large as in earlier years. The feeling that an ejaculation is about to happen may be shorter. The loss of erection after orgasm may be more rapid or it may take longer before an erection is again possible. Some men may find they need more manual stimulation. ⁸

Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Urinary Incontinence: NWHIC
2. excerpt from A Good Night's Sleep - Age Page - Health Information: NIA
3. excerpt from Accidental Hypothermia - Age Page - Health Information: NIA
4. excerpt from Aging and Alcohol Abuse - Age Page - Health Information: NIA
5. excerpt from Aging and Your Eyes - Age Page - Health Information: NIA
6. excerpt from Cancer Facts for People Over 50 - Age Page - Health Information: NIA
7. excerpt from Older Drivers - Age Page - Health Information: NIA
8. excerpt from Sexuality Later in Life - Age Page - Health Information: NIA

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