
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