Be able to distinguish between the normal signs or aging and an illness can be very important as your parents grow older. There is always the danger of missing a sign of misunderstanding a signal of an illness that would respond to treatment. It is very common to experience physical changes in later life, illness, confusion, or depression is not a “normal” part of aging.
“Normal” physical changes of aging are, for the most part, visible changes, such as gray hair, drying and wrinkling of the skin, and some sensory changes. While all older persons do not experience diminished sensory capacity, many do experience vision problems, hearing problems, and a reduction in the sense of touch and taste. And, energy levels and strength and agility are often affected by age.
Changes in sleep patterns, pain, and unexplained weight loss or gain are not normal parts of the aging process and signal problems that should be discussed with a health care professional.