Normal Aging Process

Donna Nichols • August 6, 2021

Why do I have to have the television sound set to 30 when I used to hear it just fine when set to 15?

Why can”t I read that sign unless someone holds it 2 feet away from me?

These are just two examples of the normal aging process; golden years, HA!

You don’t have to let them get you down though, let’s look at some other wonderful things that happen to us as we age gracefully!

At Assisted Living Made Simple we understand firsthand the aging process. For many of our clients, they have progressed in the process where they need that extra special assistance and that is why we are passionate about finding them the perfect assisted living communities.

The aging process

We’ll start with hearing and vision.

Hearing

When you were young did you listen to music loudly, or workaround loud machinery?

These are just two factors that play roles in your hearing declining as you age. However, you may just be susceptible to hearing loss, such as if it’s hereditary.

Music may not sound as “crisp” as it once did, or you may have trouble understanding what people are saying, it may sound to you as if they are mumbling.

Unfortunately, this comes with age and there’s not much we can do about it other than purchase hearing aids.

Eyesight

If you’re one of the lucky ones you won’t understand this one, but you would be one in a million!!

Most people experience some kind of vision loss as we age, whether it be near or farsightedness, changes in the ability to tell colors apart, needing more light to read that paper, or OH NO, reading glasses!!

There are many people who develop what are called “floaters”, tiny black specks that they see moving in front of them.

Bones

Do you ever get up out of bed and feel stiff or everything cracks? I sure do!

It’s because as we age, our bones become less dense and brittle; you can help ease this by taking supplements of vitamin D and Calcium.

Our bodies become depleted of calcium and vitamin d naturally and you need to replenish these into your system to help strengthen your bones.

Muscle

Loss of muscle mass is also normal because as we age our physical activity seems to diminish. Regular exercise is the only way to strengthen your muscle mass. You can exercise no matter your condition, please check out my blog, Senior Friendly Activities , to learn how you can exercise even if you can’t walk.

Exercise is so important, not only for your physical well-being but for your mental well-being as well.

If you are able to walk, please take walks outside, the natural Vitamin D is always the best form for you!

Body Fat

Our body fat tends to increase as we age, partly due to the lack of exercise, but also because we don’t eat as healthy anymore. Too much body fat can lead to worse things like diabetes and no one wants that.

Try to reduce your amount of body fat by not only exercising but eating a healthier diet. Not only will you lose body fat, but you’ll feel better too!

Digestive System

Were you able to eat a big fat bowl of cereal with 100% whole milk when you were a kid? Yeah? Me too!! Not now, it would kill me!!

More and more people are becoming lactose intolerant because the digestive system produces less lactase, the enzyme the body needs to digest milk. This is why we see so many different kinds of milk out there and some of them are pretty darn good.

My mother is 93 and she told me every time she eats her cereal she drinks the milk and feels sick shortly thereafter.

The first thing I asked her was what kind of milk, and she said whole milk. I told her NO!! That is the worst thing! And then to drink the rest of it from the bowl, OH MY!!

The next few times she ate cereal she told me she used very little milk and didn’t drink it and felt so much better. There are things we have to give up as we age; we may not like it, but we have to do it!

Immune System

Our immune systems don’t work like they did when we were young! It seems like if there is something blowing in the wind we catch it, what’s that about? Because this happens, we are less likely to have the internal ability to fight off things like pneumonia, colds, the flu, and cancer.

That’s why immunizations are so important.

Now with COVID never going away, we are so much more susceptible to catching it even with the vaccine. However, if you are NOT vaccinated, PLEASE consider getting the vaccine; think about your family members if not yourself, how will they go on without you?

Now that we know what happens as we get older, do we still want to get older? I’m not sure, but the alternative is not any better so I think I’ll continue to age.

If you’re looking for other senior living articles and resources then click here.

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By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.

Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of older adults and noticed the sweaters, shawls, and space heaters humming in the corner, you’re not imagining it — many seniors really do feel colder than everyone else. And it’s not just a quirk. There are real, physical reasons behind it, and understanding them can make daily life a lot more comfortable. 1. Our Internal Thermostat Changes Over Time As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. The internal “thermostat” in the brain doesn’t respond as quickly to cold, so seniors may feel chilly even when the room is warm enough for others. 2. Less Muscle = Less Heat Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and muscle is what helps generate body heat. With less of it, the body simply produces less warmth. Even active seniors may notice they get cold more easily than they used to. 3. Thinner Skin and Reduced Circulation Skin becomes thinner over time, offering less insulation. On top of that, circulation often slows, meaning warm blood takes longer to reach hands, feet, and other extremities. This is why fingers and toes are often the first to feel icy. 4. Medications Can Play a Role Many common medications — including those for blood pressure, thyroid issues, or depression — can affect how warm or cold someone feels. It’s not always the medication itself, but how it interacts with the body’s temperature signals. 5. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or poor circulation can all contribute to feeling cold. Sometimes, persistent chilliness is the body’s way of asking for a check-in with a healthcare provider. 6. Hydration and Nutrition Matter More Than You Think Dehydration and low-calorie intake can both make the body feel colder. Seniors who don’t drink enough water or who eat lightly may notice they’re chilly more often. Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Comfortable • Layer up with breathable fabrics • Keep moving — even gentle stretching boosts circulation • Warm beverages throughout the day • Use blankets or heated throws safely • Check room drafts and adjust thermostat settings • Talk with a doctor if coldness is new or worsening A Warm Note to Close Feeling cold isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a natural part of aging. With a few small adjustments and a little awareness, seniors can stay cozy, comfortable, and confident all year long.