What kinds of things are you going to lose in your 30s? Human bodies change significantly in that decade of life. The good news is that many people in their 30′s often experience a greater sense of acceptance towards themselves and their lives from within. That mental change counters the price paid in aging.
Biological factors inevitably come evident for the first time in people’s lives. While many of the changes are gender-specific, there are also factors that both men and women have in common.
Wrinkles
You don’t have to have been a sunbather or cigarette smoker to get wrinkles. It’s based on heredity a lot of the time. You’ll find some frown lines, and also some laugh lines. As you age, the skin becomes less elastic and does not regenerate as rapidly. Female skin gets wrinkles much faster than male skin because of the natural thin nature of female skin.
Metabolism
I’m sure you’ve noticed that it’s harder to lose weight now once you get it on and the over indulgences that you used to get away with are now making your pants a little tighter. It may be time to take your diet a little and in general consume less. Use exercise to combat inactivity with a bit more gusto. If you have more muscle, you burn more calories.
According to students and professors from USC’s gerontology degree program, the best exercise for long term fitness is long walks and yoga.
Hormonal shifts
Fertility and viability of sperm and egg will decrease. Pregnancies can become riskier and not as easily made, but not impossible. Women also may notice changes in their periods or may start early menopause. Men may notice a lowered sex drive.
Less flexibility
Muscle and connective tissue decreases with age. Tendons and protein structures that bind your muscles together begin to weaken. The decade or so of sedentary jobs in office chairs for many hours a day also may catch up. Taking time to do yoga poses and stretch could make a big difference.
Declines in stamina
Your heart is a muscle and as we previously mentioned, muscles in general are losing strength. The length and intensity of your aerobic exercise may need adjustment.
Rises in cholesterol and blood pressure
These come due to fatty deposit build up in the arteries. Your body can’t flush out junk as quickly. An active lifestyle will definitely knock down your cholesterol and blood pressure. Watch your diet.
Depression may come
Realizing that youth is over is not easy for anyone. Life often becomes complex and challenging at this age. Remembering the former decade and comparing it to the present reality of bills piling up, screaming kids, and stressful jobs can be a huge challenge. Drug and alcohol abuse are often a companion of depression that actually exaggerate the already bad feelings.
Changes in response to stress
Depending on your life experiences and personality, you may become wiser in your 30′s about how to deal with stress, or you may experience it even more. If you have suppressed your feelings for a while, it may start to manifest in panic attacks or anxiety related symptoms.
Consistent Sleep
You may not be able to pull off late nights like you used to. Though as you age you need less sleep, your body is going to have a problem when you go outside of your normal sleep schedule. So staying up late will pretty much not happen anymore. Six hours a night is about what you need.
Aches and pains
You may have been able to run all over the place and pack many chores all into one day in the past, but you may want to reconsider that now. Back pain, pulled muscles, and overuse injuries are no fun. Take it easy on your older body now.
While it’s a cliché, “beauty comes from within” is true. This is a time in life to reinforce your character and to express who you are deeply. Don’t miss your chance by mourning the past. It will just out more lines on your face.
