What changes in physical appearance can I expect with aging?

Skin changes happen with a decrease in the number of pigment cells in the skin after age 30. Since these cells allow tanning, there may be a difference in the ability to tan as evenly as before. And harmless spots made up of remaining pigment cells may appear. Skin may become thinner and may bruise more easily. Changes in the fibers and thickness of the skin can result in wrinkles and looser skin, especially in the face and neck.

The size of the abdomen may gradually increase after age 35 to 45. This is in part because of more fat deposits in the abdomen fat storage sites, even though the total body weight may not increase. After age 40 to 50, some of the fat tissue under the skin may disappear and over years bony prominences such as the spine, shoulder blades, and facial bones may become more apparent.

Graying of hair is another change you may notice in appearance. It is the result of loss of pigment cells which give hair its color. Graying is usually gradual and may begin in the 20s. More than half the population over age 50 has graying of the hair over the scalp. While hair loss is usually preceded by graying, thinning of the hair is another common change in aging men and women. In men the hair loss usually begins in the front of the scalp and gradually extends to cover the crown and top of the scalp. Men usually do not lose hair along the fringe of the scalp. In fact, this hair is usually a great source for transplanting to other areas of the scalp. Hair loss under the arms (axillary hair) also occurs normally in aging. The central hairs remain and are often grayer and thinner. Loss of axillary hair is common after age 60. Pubic hair and hair on the arms and legs may also decrease in the aging process.

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