Signs of Aging : Added References

What're signs and symptoms of aging?

One can catalog changes that typically occur with age. For people of developed countries age changes include: A loss of hearing ability, particularly for higher frequencies. There is a decline in the ability to taste salt&bitter (sweet&sour are much less affected). There is a reduction of the thymus gland to 5-10% of its original mass by age 50. Levels of antibodies increase with aging. One third of men and half of women over 65 report some form of arthritis. About half of those aged 65 have lost all teeth. The elderly require twice as much insulin to achieve the glucose uptake of the young. There is reduced sensitivity to growth factors & hormones due to fewer receptors and dysfunctional post-receptor pathways.
The temperature needed to separate DNA strands increases with age. Weight declines after age 55 due to loss of lean tissue, water and bone (cell mass at age 70 is 36% of what it is at age 25). Body fat increases to age 60. Muscle strength for men declines 30-40% from age 30 to age 80. Reaction time declines 20% from age 20 to 60. Elderly people tend to sleep more lightly, more frequently and for shorter periods -- with a reduction in rapid eye-movement (REM) sleep. Degree of saturation of fats drops by 26% in the brains of old animals. Presbyopia (reduced ability to focus on close-up objects) occurs in 42% of people aged 52-64, 73% of those 65-74 and 92% of those over age 75. About half of those over 85 are disabled (defined as the inability to use public transportation). Over 75% of people over 85 have 3-9 pathological conditions, and the cause of death for these people is frequently unknown. Aging changes are frequently associated with an increase in likelihood of mortality, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, graying of hair is a symptom of aging, but graying does not increase likelihood of mortality. Aging changes which are not associated with a specific disease, but which are associated with a generalized increase in mortality would qualify as biomarkers of aging -- and would distinguish biological age from chronological age. Biomarkers would be better predictors of the increased likelihood of mortality (independent of specific disease) than the passage of time (chronological age). Cross-linking of collagen, insulin resistance and lung expiration capacity have been proposed as candidates but, as yet, no biomarkers of aging have been validated and universally accepted.
There are many different signs and symptoms of aging. Most of these develop gradually and are very diverse, but it should be remembered that it is not possible to diagnose aging based on isolated signs and symptoms alone. Different people possess widely varying degrees of these signs and symptoms. Some of these include:

An overall decrease in energy and vigor
The tendency to become easily tired
Changes in sleeping patterns
Decreased memory
Behavioural changes
Skin and hair changes such as wrinkles, brown spots on the skin, loss of skin elasticity, and hair loss affecting the limbs
Changes in hair colour
A loss or decrease in vision and hearing
Changes in bowel function
Decrease in libido
Sexual dysfunction
Urinary problems such as incontinence, dribbling, and changes in frequency of urination
Changes in menstrual cycle
Abdominal obesity and inability to lose weight

Sooner or later, many people develop one or more of the degenerative diseases of aging, such as:

Alzheimer's disease
Stroke
Heart attack
Cancer
Osteoporosis
Diabetes Mellitus
Parkinson's disease
Arthritis
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Hearing loss
These conditions cause pain and suffering to patients and their families - the economic and social costs are staggering

More information on anti-aging
What is aging? - Aging is a syndrome of changes that are deleterious, progressive, universal and thus far irreversible. Aging is usually understood to include reductions in reproductive capacity.
What're signs and symptoms of aging? - There is a reduction of the thymus gland to 5-10% of its original mass by age 50. Levels of antibodies increase with aging. One third of men and half of women over 65 report some form of arthritis.
Theories of aging - Aging is the process of growing older and includes changes in both biology and psychology. Theories that explain aging can generally be divided between the programmed and error theories of aging.
What is the anti-aging treatment and prevention? - A healthy lifestyle, caloric restriction with adequate nutrution (CRAN), and perhaps even supplements can do no more than slow the aging process or extend mean lifespan.
Anti-aging diets - Caloric restriction (CR) - Caloric restriction (CR) is the practice of limiting dietary energy intake to improve health and retard aging. In human subjects, CR is known to slow the signs of aging.
Anti-aging hormones - Hormones are chemicals released into the bloodstream from glands. The hormones DHEA, melatonin, thyroid, and somatotropin (GH) decline with age.
Anti-aging supplements and nutrients - Supplements are a critical component for health and disease prevention. Anti-aging supplements address and prevent any possible deterioration in the cells that may accelerate the aging process.
Anti-aging medicine - Anti-aging medicine incorporates many of the principals of ortho-molecular medicine to retard aging and rejuvenate the body.
Anti-aging skin care - The largest growth area in cosmetic facial treatment is related to aging. People are living longer and healthier and want their appearance to reflect their vital state of mind and health.
Anti-aging tips - The single best thing you can do for your health and longevity is quit smoking. Drink only in moderation. Find a doctor who specializes in geriatrics or anti-aging.
Human growth hormone (HGH) and anti-aging - Human growth hormone (HGH) is produced in the pituitary gland of humans, and the hormone is secreted throughout a persons lifetime.
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) and anti-aging - DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a natural sterone produced naturally in the body by the adrenal glands and is the sole precursor and regulator for the natural production of every steroid and sex hormone in the body