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Some symptoms linked with ageing shouldn’t be overlookedCredit: Getty<\/p>\n
\u201cAs you get older, you might find yourself struggling to multitask or forgetting words or names<\/a> you\u2019re usually familiar with,\u201d says Dr Imran Khan, Lead Practitioner at Bupa Health Clinics<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThis can happen even to healthy older adults. It occurs because of small changes that happen to your brain as you age.<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n But in some cases, the true causes of certain symptoms can be far more serious than you realise – even if a condition is related to ageing.<\/p>\n Most importantly though, they can also be treatable.<\/p>\n Below are seven symptoms to look out for which we shouldn’t ignore.<\/p>\n GETTING SHORTER<\/strong><\/p>\n From your fifties, height can start to decline<\/a>, according to research published in the journal BMJ Open<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, if you spot a significant reduction in height, it could be a sign of osteoporosis<\/a>,\u201d says Dr Khan.<\/p>\n Osteoporosis weakens the bones making a person more vulnerable to fractures or breaks – which can have a huge impact on someone\u2019s life.\u00a0<\/p>\n A past study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research<\/a> found that women over 70 who lose two or more inches in just two years have a 21 per cent higher chance of fracturing a hip in the following two years than women who lose less height, indicating an increased risk of osteoporosis.<\/p>\n Plus, research conducted in 2021 by the University of Gothenburg<\/a> found that women who lose an inch or more of height in their fifties are more than twice as likely to die of a stroke than a woman who doesn\u2019t lose any height.\u00a0<\/p>\n Women are more at risk of osteoporosis than men as a result of losing bone rapidly in the first few years after menopause<\/a>. But it does occur in men and younger people too.<\/p>\n Other causes of losing height can be natural ageing such as loss of muscle mass, cartilage thickness and bone density.<\/p>\n Five simple tests that could indicate dementia<\/p>\n \u201cGenetic factors can make you more prone to height loss too,\u201d Dr Khan says.<\/p>\n \u201cThese changes often happen slowly over time, so it\u2019s not easy to detect them.\u201d<\/p>\n What next? <\/strong>Treatment involves medicine to strengthen the bones, calcium and vitamin D supplements. These supplements are also advised to prevent the condition, as well as exercise, giving up smoking and limiting alcohol.<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n Are you needing a stool to reach everything? You might have gotten shorter – which can be a symptom of osteoporosisCredit: GettyWEEING AT NIGHT<\/strong><\/p>\n Nocturia<\/a>, where you frequently wake up in the night and need to pee, tends to increase with age.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cNeeding to wee during the night affects over half of adults once they reach 50,\u201d Dr Khan says.<\/p>\n \u201c[But] if you need to wee more than twice in the night, you should discuss this with your healthcare professional.\u201d<\/p>\n It coud be a symptom of diabetes<\/a>, heart disease<\/a> or prostate issues, he says.<\/p>\n Prostate cancer<\/a> causes the need to urinate more often, trouble starting to urinate and waking up more at night to urinate.<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n Weeing at night is normal – unless it’s as frequent as twice a night or more, Dr Khan saysCredit: Getty<\/p>\n \u201cNatural enlarging of the prostate in men can lead to more frequent urination – this is a normal part of ageing,\u201d Dr Khan says.<\/p>\n An enlarged prostate<\/a> is not harmful but because its symptoms cross over with prostate cancer, it is still worth seeing your GP.\u00a0<\/p>\n What next? <\/strong>Symptoms of an enlarged prostate may get better with lifestyle changes such as drinking less caffeine and using bladder training techniques. Otherwise, medication may be an option, or surgery for severe cases.<\/p>\n Know your risk for prostate cancer by using this calculator: prostatecanceruk.org\/risk-checker<\/a>. Certain risk factors like age and genetics cannot be controlled but the easier it is found, the more options a man has to manage the disease. <\/p>\n LOSS OF APPETITE<\/strong><\/p>\n Ageing can make us less interested in food.<\/p>\n But, according to Dr Khan, if this change is permanent, it\u2019s not a normal sign of ageing.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cYou might find that your tastes change as you get older, and you don\u2019t love your favourite foods as passionately as you once did,\u201d Dr Khan says.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cBut sometimes, losing your appetite suddenly can be a side effect of medication, or sign of an underlying health condition, so it\u2019s always best to get yourself checked by a health professional.\u201d<\/p>\n Feeling sleepy all the time isn\u2019t a normal part of ageing, though it affects around 20 per cent of older people <\/p>\n Dr Imran KhanLead Practitioner Bupa Health Clinics<\/p><\/blockquote>\n These health conditions include an infection, says Dr Samantha Wild, Clinical Lead for Women\u2019s Health and GP at Bupa Health Clinics<\/a>, as well as; digestive conditions which may make it painful to eat; diabetes, which causes fluctuating blood sugar, potentially affecting appetite; and even cancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThe cancer<\/a> itself or the treatment can affect appetite, particularly if you\u2019re feeling unwell or in pain,\u201d says Dr Wild.<\/p>\n What next?<\/strong> If you\u2019ve noticed your appetite seems to have disappeared, visit your GP who can help you get to the root of the problem.\u00a0<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n A loss of appetite can signal a health condition, including cancerCredit: GettyACHES AND PAINS<\/strong><\/p>\n ‘Aches and pains\u2019<\/a> are a normal part of ageing – but when is the time to worry?<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve moved a lot more than usual or put extra strain on your muscles and joints then you might feel a little sore, and this tends to fade away.<\/p>\n However, Dr Khan says that gradual or dull pain can also be a sign of osteoarthritis, which is relatively common in older adults.\u00a0<\/p>\n Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis<\/a> and a leading cause of adult chronic pain and long-term disability.\u00a0<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n A sudden pain is cause for concern, particularly if it’s in the chest and spreading to the neck, arm, back or jawCredit: Getty<\/p>\n Dr Khan says: \u201cYou might experience stiffness in the joints of your hands, knees or hips, but it\u2019s possible to have it in other places, too.\u201d<\/p>\n If pain is sudden, especially if it\u2019s in your chest, hands or feet, it should always be reported to a health professional.<\/p>\n Dr Wild adds: \u201cSharp pain in the chest, hands or feet could be a symptom of pericarditis, which is inflammation of the lining around the heart, often following a viral infection. In rare cases, it may be a symptom of rheumatic fever.\u201d<\/p>\n Chest pain<\/a> can also signal a blood clot in the lungs or angina meaning you should call your GP fast.<\/p>\n What next? <\/strong>Always call 999 if you have chest pain that is sudden with the following symptoms – as this could indicate a heart attack:<\/a><\/p>\n Osteoarthritis is managed with physical therapy, pain relief medications, weight management, and in severe cases, joint replacement surgery. A healthy weight, staying physically active, and avoiding joint injuries can help prevent the condition.<\/p>\n D<\/strong>AYTIME SLEEPINESS<\/p>\n \u201cOnce you reach the age of 65, the amount of sleep you need<\/a> reduces slightly,\u201d Dr Khan says.<\/p>\n \u201cYour sleep<\/a> changes as you get older – more time is spent in light sleep, and less time is spent in deep sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n But he says older adults should still get between seven and eight hours of sleep a night.\u00a0<\/p>\n Shuffling or dragging your legs when walking can be a telltale sign of Parkinson’s progression.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr Khan <\/p><\/blockquote>\n \u201cFeeling sleepy all the time isn\u2019t a normal part of ageing, though it affects around 20 per cent of older people according to the Sleep Foundation<\/a>,\u201d says Dr Khan.<\/p>\n \u201cConstant fatigue could be a sign of an underlying health condition, like cardiovascular issues, sleep apnoea or cognitive changes, such as early onset dementia.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWith age, various medical conditions and the need to take medication may increase. These can impact your ability to sleep well.\u201d<\/p>\n What next?<\/strong> If you\u2019re getting enough sleep yet you regularly feel tired throughout the day despite no change in your lifestyle, then book an appointment with your GP, especially if resting doesn\u2019t alleviate it.<\/p>\n Cardiovascular issues are managed with a heart-healthy diet, exercise and stress reduction. These lifestyle changes also help with sleep apnoea. <\/p>\n For the latter, a CPAP machine – a mask you wear over your mouth at night – may be prescribed.<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n “Feeling sleepy all the time isn\u2019t a normal part of ageing,” says Dr KhanCredit: GettyCHANGE IN WALK<\/strong><\/p>\n Another more subtle sign of dementia is a change in your walk.<\/a><\/p>\n It could also indicate Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cParkinson\u2019s <\/a>may affect how well you\u2019re able to walk, balance and multitask,\u201d says Dr Khan.<\/p>\n \u201cShuffling or dragging your legs when walking can be a telltale sign of the condition\u2019s progression.\u201d<\/p>\n Every hour, two people in the UK are told they have Parkinson’s, according to Parkinson\u2019s UK<\/a>, so it\u2019s more common than you may think.\u00a0<\/p>\n Most people get a diagnosis after the age of 50, with the average onset being around 60 years old.<\/p>\n Walking may become harder as you age. <\/p>\n \u201cFor example, your leg, upper body or back muscles may have lost strength, or you might experience stiffness in your hips or ankles,\u201d says Dr Khan.<\/p>\n \u201cThese changes might be down to injuries or health conditions, such as arthritis, which may make you less inclined to want to move.\u201d<\/p>\n What next? <\/strong>A GP would refer you for specialists tests if Parkinson’s is suspected. Treatment for Parkinson’s aims to maintain quality of life for as long as possible. It may include physiotherapy and medication. <\/p>\n The condition needs lifelong treatment as it progresses and you may have to eventually change how you do simple tasks. Some people don’t need any treatment if it is early days and their symptoms are mild. <\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n Parkinson’s is most often diagnosed in those aged 60Credit: GettyFORGETTING EVENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n We all forget things sometimes and as we age, these memory blips may become more frequent.<\/p>\n But when does it cross the line from normal ageing, to something worse?<\/p>\n There are currently around 982,000 people living with dementia in the UK and by 2024, this number is expected to rise to 1.4 million, according to Alzheimer\u2019s Society<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you can remember what you\u2019re trying to recall, but it just takes a little longer, that\u2019s not usually anything to worry about,\u201d says Dr Wild.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, if you\u2019re struggling to remember recent events, conversations or where you\u2019ve put things, you might be worried it\u2019s the early signs of dementia.”<\/p>\n What next? <\/strong>Dr Wild says when symptoms start affecting your daily life; “for example, you can\u2019t complete simple tasks that you\u2019ve done many times before, speak to a health professional”.<\/p>\n \u201cYour GP will discuss any existing medical conditions, medications you\u2019re taking and your current symptoms,\u201d says Dr Wild.<\/p>\n \u201cTo understand your symptoms further, they may give you a special questionnaire and carry out an examination and basic tests to help rule out any other potential causes of your symptoms.<\/p>\n \u201cIf your GP suspects that you might be having cognitive problems, they\u2019ll refer you to a specialist such as your local memory clinic or older person\u2019s mental health team, to assess you further.\u201d<\/p>\n Is it ageing or dementia?<\/p>\n Dementia – the most common form of which is Alzheimer’s – comes on slowly over time.<\/p>\n As the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe.\u00a0<\/p>\n But at the beginning, the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for normal memory issues related to ageing. <\/p>\n![\"Girl](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/cute-little-girl-playroom-stands-983084534.jpg\")
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