Bladder/Urination
Normal aging: The maximum amount of urine the bladder can hold decreases somewhat, which often leads to an increase in the number of times it is necessary to get up during the night to go to the bathroom.
Not-normal aging: Loss of urine (incontinence) or discomfort (which may indicate a bladder disorder or infection).
Bowels/Digestive Tract
Normal aging: Tolerance for certain foods (for example, dairy products) may decrease, which may produce indigestion or bloating.
Not-normal aging: Constipation or diarrhea, which may indicate inadequate activity or hydration or a disorder such as diverticulosis/diverticulitis.
Sleep
Normal aging: Less time in deep stages of sleep, more awakening during nighttime, often leading to observation of being less well-rested in the morning and sometimes to taking a brief nap during the day.
Not-normal aging: Prolonged pauses without breathing during the night, sometimes accompanied by snoring (this might indicate a disorder such as sleep apnea) or excessive daytime sleepiness and falling asleep during purposeful activity, such as when operating appliances (which may indicate a disorder such as sleep apnea or periodic leg movements during sleep).
Memory/Thinking
Normal aging: Learning new information can take a bit longer as the rate of processing information slows somewhat. Reaction time slows somewhat, and occasional items may be briefly forgotten, which may lead to intermittent need to ask that something be repeated.
Not-normal aging: Inability to learn new things and forgetting important items such as turning off appliances, going to appointments, paying bills (which may indicate a disorder such as dementia).
Balance/Stability
Normal aging: The ability to make adjustments after slipping or stumbling may slow somewhat, meaning that a person may feel a bit less steady or may even have some close calls.
Not-normal aging: Falling in situations or under circumstances that wouldn't be expected to produce a fall in most people -- for example, most people might fall if they slip on ice during darkness or while carrying something; most people would not be expected to fall while walking across their living room floor or while walking down the sidewalk.
Please note that these are guidelines. For more specific information, consult your health-care professional.
Source: The Merck Manual of Health and Aging, Ballantime Books. Powered by Yellowbrix.
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