Life After 65: The Three Key Stages of Aging

The body changes visually as we age, displaying wrinkles and greying hair. However, during the stages of aging after 65, those changes become more internal. Your muscles, joints, bones, cardiovascular system, urinary tract, and several other areas are affected.

Though you can’t halt your body’s gradual deterioration, it is possible to slow the progression. Health education provides details on lifestyle changes, including dietary choices, exercise routines, and mental support, to help manage various conditions. Recreational activities ensure you’re still having fun doing the things you love on your own or with a social group. For more information on what to expect as you age, check out the following sections.

Three elderly women socializing at a community center, representing different stages of aging and the importance of companionship in later life.

Stages of Aging

The body’s aging processes slowly change during the first 64 years of life. Once you reach 65, these changes accelerate, with each decade showing noticeable increases in specific areas. We’ll discuss each new stage in the sections below.

Young – Old (65-74 years)

Though 65 isn’t considered old for humans. At this age, most people are still relatively active and maintain most, if not all, of their independence. Some are still working, choosing to forgo retirement for a few more years.

However, this first stage of aging marks the beginning of significant health changes. Though still mobile and socially active, those between 65 and 75 require vigilance when it comes to their health.

According to experts, 92% of those over 65 have a chronic condition, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. You may also notice minor changes in hearing, vision, short-term memory, and creativity.

To feel good and maintain function after 65, your doctor may have suggestions. Gentle exercises, a healthy diet, proper sleep, and avoiding unhealthy habits may slow the progression of several medical concerns.

Middle – old (75 – 84 years)

The middle-old stage of aging ranges from 75 to 84 years old. During this decade, your physical health declines more noticeably than in previous years. Muscle strength, bone density, and energy levels decrease. You may also notice balance issues, increasing the risk of falls.

Experts state that chronic conditions are more common once you reach 75. These include cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, stroke, kidney disease, and cancer. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping up with screenings and doctor appointments could help manage and prevent complications.

Social connections also decrease after 75. Retirement, location changes, and the loss of loved ones increase isolation. However, studies show that leisure activities improve well-being, support, and quality of life in your twilight years.

Old – Old (85+ years)

Those in the old – old stage of aging is most vulnerable, prone to sickness, disability, frailty, and cognitive decline. Those still living at home frequently require daily support, while others need long-term care.

Common concerns associated with those over 85 include hearing loss, vision problems, dizziness, falls, and reduced muscle strength. Chronic conditions frequently occur, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and diabetes, often simultaneously.

Cognitive decline also increases after 85, including slow processing speeds, memory loss, and dementia. Isolation and depression may also occur, depending on living standards and social support. Quality of life, comfort, and dignity are the focus of care for those in this stage of aging.

Resources:

  1. APA, Older Adults
    https://www.apa.org/pi/aging/resources/guides/older
  2. Cleveland Clinic, Dec. 8, 2020, 5 Small, Powerful Changes for Feeling Good After Age 65
    https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-small-powerful-changes-feeling-good-age-65
  3. Health Directs, Manage Your Health in Your 70s and Older
    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/manage-your-health-in-your-70s-and-older
  4. PMC, June 13, 2012, Ageing, Leisure, and Social Connectedness: How could Leisure Help Reduce Social Isolation of Older People
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3696179/
  5. Frontiers, Dec. 10, 2017, Age-Related Diseases and Clinical and Public Health Implications for the 85 Years Old and Over Population
    https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2017.00335/full
This article is for educational and informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any questions about your own health condition, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.