10 Surprising Facts About Aging

Here are 10 facts about aging.

Getting older has its pros and cons, but as long as one is alive, the process is unavoidable.
Here are 10 facts about aging.
Number 10. It may ease migraines. Swedish researches followed up with migraine sufferers 12 years after performing initial assessments. The team learned that 80 percent of the middle-aged test subjects were having attacks less often. The majority also reported that both durations and pain levels had diminished. 
Number 9. The years bring a greater sense of happiness. Numerous studies have found this to be true, and for a variety of reasons. Some have linked the uptick in mood with a greater sense of trust, while others say it’s because as people age they become better able to handle negative emotions. 
Number 8. Sugary sodas could speed the aging process. The beverage does impact the chromosomal telomeres, the little end pieces that are vital to cell regeneration. Soda drinkers were found more apt to have shorter ones, rendering their telomeres less able to do the job. That could make sweet beverage drinkers more susceptible to accelerated aging. 
Number 7. Older people sweat less. As the years pass by, the body’s sweat glands get smaller. They also become a bit less sensitive. Comparative tests have shown that women in their 50s and early 60s emit lower levels of perspiration than their 20-something counterparts. 
Number 6. People’s ears get bigger. Between gravity and the skin’s diminished ability to resist its pull, drooping of the earlobes can occur. There’s also a theory that size expansions are due to growing cartilage, but proof is scarce. 
Number 5. Falling becomes a more serious problem. It’s the most common cause of injuries, both fatal and nonfatal, sustained by those 65 and over. Up to 30 percent of the damages done result in a limited ability to function normally and live independently. 
Number 4. Lifestyle has a lot to do with life span. Up until the age of 75, genes only account for about 25 percent of the longevity equation. The rest is determined by health-related choices. Those who live long lives often eat a healthy diet, don’t smoke, and refrain from excess drinking. 
Number 3. Childhood can greatly impact one’s later years. A CDC study suggests that experiencing traumas while young may diminish a person’s time on Earth by as many as 20 years. Researchers found individuals who had endured multiple types of abuse and dysfunction in the home to be especially vulnerable.
Number 2. Suicide risk is the highest among elderly white men. In the US, approximately 50 out of every 100 thousand white males over the age of 85 takes their own life. The national average for all age groups is 12.6. 
Number 1. People get smarter. Sure, remembering some details can be tough, but the brain itself continues to grow and develop with age. The hemispheres sync up, new neurons form, and problem-solving abilities are boosted. 
What do you find most fascinating about the aging process?