Aging Process: What Changes and What You Can Do Today

Your body changes as you get older, and those changes affect how medicines, supplements, and treatments work. Some drugs last longer in the body. Some side effects show up more often. That means a few small habits can make a big difference in safety and quality of life.

How aging affects your body

Kidney and liver function tend to slow down. That changes how fast your body clears drugs. If a medicine builds up, side effects get worse. Muscle mass and bone density fall with age, which increases fall and fracture risk. The immune system also weakens, so infections can hit harder and recovery can be slower. Finally, senses like hearing and vision can change, making it harder to follow dosing instructions or spot label warnings.

These shifts don’t mean you must stop treatments. They mean you should check them regularly. A medication that worked fine at 50 might need a new dose or a safer alternative at 70.

Smart medication and supplement tips

Do an annual medication review with a clinician or pharmacist. Bring a complete list of prescription drugs, over-the-counter meds, and supplements. Ask which medicines you can stop and which need lower doses. Mention even herbal supplements — some interact with blood thinners, blood pressure meds, or antidepressants.

Watch for common risk drugs: sedatives, strong opiates, certain anticholinergics, and some sleep medicines raise fall risk and confusion. If you feel dizzy, tired all the time, or notice thinking changes after a new drug, tell your provider right away.

Check kidney function before starting or changing doses for many medicines. A simple lab value like creatinine or an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) helps determine safe dosing. If kidneys are slower, lower doses or longer dosing intervals often work better.

Think about vaccines and screenings. Flu, shingles, and pneumococcal vaccines reduce real risks. Bone density tests, eye checks, and hearing tests find problems early so you can act before things get worse.

Use simple daily tools to avoid mistakes: a single pill box, a printed medication schedule, or a smartphone reminder. Store medicines in one cool, dry place and keep original labels. If buying meds online, choose licensed pharmacies and avoid deals that look too good to be true.

Focus on lifestyle actions that help the aging process: strength training twice a week to slow muscle loss, aim for enough protein at meals, keep active with walking or balance work, prioritize sleep, and eat vegetables and whole grains. Small steady changes add up faster than big short-lived efforts.

If you’re managing a loved one’s care, keep a central record of medicines and clear instructions for caregivers. Regular checks, clear communication, and simple routines cut mistakes and improve daily life.

Want practical help? Start with one step: schedule a medication review this month or clear out unused medicines. One small fix now can prevent a big problem later.