Our specialists, who stated that aging begins in our 20s, said, "Cell destruction that starts in our 20s turns into losses in the cell group that works in our body from the age of 35-40."
Noting that old age is a natural life period such as childhood, youth, and adulthood, Yeditepe University Hospitals specialists said, "The rate of the elderly population in the society in Turkey is about 4.5-5 percent, but this rate will increase with the years. In the world, the number of people aged 65 years and above is increasing rapidly. In this period, vascular stiffness, cancer, diabetes, dementia, difficulty in urinary retention, visual impairments, hearing disorders, malnutrition, bone-melting, joint arthritis, cartilage damage, walking disorders, frequent falls, pressure sores, and sleep disorders may be encountered. Some of them are not directly related to aging, and some are only seen in old age. The average human lifespan has been prolonged due to the development of medicine in recent years and the fact that the individual cares about themselves and life."

"Cell Destruction Begins"

Our specialists, who stated that they divided the elderly into three groups young elderly (65-74 years), middle-aged (75-84 years), and advanced elderly (85 years and older), explained the aging process that started in the 20s with the following words:

"Aging starts very early, in our 20s. Changes that start at such a young age can be explained as disruptions in people's reactions within the cell, which we define as a 'metabolic pathway', from cellular metabolic activities. These can be very complicated, as many compounds and enzymes are involved in some metabolic pathways. Metabolic pathways try to keep intracellular balances stable in organisms. Any situation that disrupts this constant holding and balance causes the cell to deteriorate. Here, cell destruction that starts in our 20s turns into losses in the cell group that works in our body from about 35-40 years of age. Due to these ongoing cell losses, disruptions, disruptions and interruptions in the tasks performed by the cells occur. After the age of 80, the body cannot maintain its internal balance against these losses, and death occurs as it progresses."

Significant Change is Seen in Musculoskeletal System

Explaining that the most significant change that can occur with aging will be seen in the musculoskeletal system, our specialists said, "In women, especially in the period after menopause, bone-melting occurs intensely. Height shortening, vertebral collapse, and even fractures, most frequently hip fractures, may occur due to these losses. The other important change arises in the mental dimensions. A decrease in perception and creative abilities can be observed with aging, inattention, and slowing of thinking speed. The decrease in learning ability may be accompanied by a slowdown in movements. While previously acquired information remains intact in the elderly, newly learned information is quickly forgotten."

These Symptoms Indicate Dementia

 Noting that the most common mental change is dementia, our specialists said, "Although the patient is conscious, there is a weakening of memory and a decrease in some mental skills. The person begins to lose interest in what is happening around them. Difficulties in learning and remembering new information, finding the right words during the speech, and solving problems in daily life begin and these complaints increase over time. Memory impairment is primarily the inability to remember phone numbers, names, and daily events. Difficulties in concentrating on a topic begin. It begins to limit the relationships established with the environment, which leads to loneliness and disconnection from the social environment. Complaints increase more as they break away from the social environment and thus a vicious circle is formed. The person is restless and sad. They may be more vulnerable, angry, or suspicious. In time, memories of the past may begin to be erased."

Alzheimer's Risk in 1 in 10 People

Noting that Alzheimer's disease is the most difficult of the disorders that occur in the mental dimension, our specialists said, "It is a progressive brain disorder that occurs with age and leads to various mental and behavioral disorders, especially forgetfulness. It affects about 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 and about 1 in 3 people over the age of 85. Again, in this age group, high blood pressure, vascular stiffness, and diabetes are frequently seen, which, if not treated and followed up properly, leads to a decrease in mental activities. One of the measures that can be effective in protecting mental functions against these age-related negative effects is solving puzzles in free time, reading, dealing with what is happening in the environment, feeling, and making people feel that they are a part of society, attaching importance to body exercises. Changes in the jawbones and teeth also impair chewing function. Thus, nutritional disorders are also among the findings related to aging that are frequently encountered."