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Signs of Aging You May Be Overlooking

By Joe Boland

August 26, 2025

Aging is a natural process that affects every part of the body, but understanding the signs of aging can help you take proactive steps to support your health. While some changes are part of normal aging, lifestyle choices and targeted supplementation can make a big difference in how you look, feel and function as you get older.

So keep reading to learn more about the signs of aging, healthy aging habits that promote longevity, how to slow biological aging and more.

Signs of aging for your cardiovascular system

What’s happening

With age, blood vessels can become stiffer, and the heart may have to work harder to pump blood. This can contribute to higher blood pressure and reduced circulation.

Here are more details on what happens to your cardiovascular system as you age:

• Blood vessels gradually stiffen; the heart must work harder to pump blood, potentially contributing to elevated blood pressure and reduced efficiency.

• Risk of heart rhythm changes like atrial fibrillation increases, particularly as you approach 80.

• Heart rate response declines; the aging heart doesn’t ramp up output as efficiently during stress or exercise.

What you can do

Stay active with regular aerobic exercise, eat a nutrient-rich diet, manage stress and get quality sleep:

• Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced healthy aging diet, moderate alcohol, regular exercise (150 minutes per week) and sufficient sleep (seven to nine hours a night).

• Embrace aerobic and resistance exercise to support vascular flexibility and healthy blood pressure levels.

• Manage chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes and obesity to slow cardiovascular “functional aging” of the heart.

For those looking to maintain cardiovascular health, here are some supplements you can consider

Omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and magnesium can help support cardiovascular health and healthy circulation:

• Omega-3 fatty acids support cardiovascular health.

• CoQ10 can help maintain heart energy metabolism and rhythm.

• Antioxidants help with a healthy inflammatory response in vascular tissue.

• Lifestyle “supplement.” Practicing stress reduction and quality sleep have similarly profound effects on heart health.

Signs of aging for your joints

What’s happening

Joint cartilage naturally breaks down over time, which may lead to stiffness, discomfort and decreased mobility. Here are more details on what happens to your joints as you age:

• Connective tissues (tendons, ligaments, cartilage) lose elasticity and hydration, increasing stiffness and discomfort.

• Aging can lead to reduced mobility and discomfort.

What you can do

Incorporate low-impact exercise, stretching and strength training to maintain mobility and stability:

• Engage in low-impact, joint-friendly activities like walking, swimming, cycling and gentle yoga.

• Prioritize strength training to support the muscles around joints and improve balance.

• Incorporate regular stretching and flexibility work to maintain range of motion.

For those looking to maintain joint health, here are some supplements you can consider

Collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin may help support healthy joints and cartilage integrity, which is why they are some of the best joint supplements:

• Collagen peptides support healthy joints and mobility. (Try Ancient Nutrition'sAN’s Multi Collagen Joint & Mobility or Multi Collagen Protein.)

• Glucosamine and chondroitin may help promote joint comfort and function.

• MSM or boswellia offer potential healthy inflammatory response support to help combat inflammaging.

Signs of aging for your muscles

What’s happening

Muscle mass and strength tend to decline with age. Here are more details on what happens to your muscles as you age:

• Age-related muscle loss reduces strength, mobility and metabolic health.

• Hormonal shifts and decreased physical activity accelerate muscle atrophy.

What you can do

Engage in regular resistance training, get enough protein and stay active throughout the day:

• Commit to resistance training (weights, bands, bodyweight) to preserve muscle mass.

• Include protein-rich foods with every meal and distribute intake throughout the day because protein benefits healthy aging.

• Stay active with daily movement. Walk, do housework, carry, lift, etc. Simple habits matter.

For those looking to maintain muscle health, here are some supplements you can consider

Collagen, protein powders and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) can help support muscle health, which why they are some of the best muscle recovery supplements and workout supplements:

• Protein powders (whey, plant-based) help meet daily protein needs. (Try Ancient Nutrition’s Whey Protein.)

• Creatine supports muscle strength and promotes post-exercise muscle recovery. (Try Ancient Nutrition’s Creatine + Collagen.)

• BCAAs support muscle repair and reduce breakdown.

• Collagen peptides are also beneficial for joint health, which is tied to muscle function.

Signs of aging for your bones

What’s happening

Bone density decreases over time, making hard falls scarier as we age. Here are more details on what happens to your bones as you age:

• Bone density gradually declines, especially after age 30.

• Bone density can become problematic for certain groups, particularly post-menopausal women.

What you can do

Prioritize weight-bearing exercise, consume calcium-rich foods and ensure adequate vitamin D intake:

• Participate in weight-bearing and strength-bearing activities, such as walking, hiking and strength training.

• Eat bone-building foods, like dairy or fortified alternatives, leafy greens, and fish with bones.

• Ensure adequate vitamin D via sun exposure, diet or safe supplementation.

For those looking to maintain bone health, here are some supplements you can consider

Calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K2 are key for supporting bone strength and integrity:

• Calcium supports bone structure.

• Adequate vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and healthy immune system support. (Ancient Nutrition’s Ancient Nutrients Vitamin D3 + K2 is paired together for better utilization of calcium in the body and supports bone health.)

• Vitamin K2 helps direct calcium to bones, not arteries.

• You can also try Ancient Nutrition's Bone Health Multivitamin, which supports healthy bone building, helps maintain the balance of bone remodeling, helps fight bone breakdown and helps support bone density.

Signs of aging for your skin

What’s happening

Collagen and elastin production naturally decline, leading to fine lines, wrinkles and dryness. Here are more details on what happens to your skin as you age:

• Collagen and elastin degrade by roughly 1 percent to 1.5 percent annually, according to research; skin slackens, lines deepen.

• Reduced natural oils and hydration lead to dryness, fine lines and dullness.

• UV exposure, pollutants and smoking accelerate aging.

What you can do

Protect your skin from excess sun exposure, stay hydrated and eat antioxidant-rich foods, which double as foods for healthy aging:

• Daily SPF and sun avoidance during peak hours.

• Maintain hydration; use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers.

• Eat antioxidant- and vitamin C-rich foods (berries, citrus, leafy greens).

For those looking to maintain skin health, here are some supplements you can consider

Collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C support skin elasticity and hydration and are some of the best supplements for skin:

• Collagen peptides boost skin elasticity. (Try Ancient Nutrition's Collagen Peptides Protein or Multi Collagen Advanced Longevity.)

• Hyaluronic acid supports skin hydration.

• Vitamin C is critical for collagen synthesis and healthy skin.

Signs of aging for your digestive system

What’s happening

Digestive function may slow, and enzyme production can decrease, making it harder to absorb nutrients. Here are more details on what happens to your digestive system as you age:

• Digestive motility slows; enzyme production may decline, leading to occasional bloating .

• There may be occasional constipation.

What you can do

Eat fiber-rich foods, stay hydrated and include fermented foods for gut health:

• Eat fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes.

• Stay well-hydrated; include natural probiotics (yogurt, fermented foods).

• Chew slowly and attentively to aid digestion.

For those looking to maintain digestive health, here are some supplements you can consider

Digestive enzymes, probiotics and prebiotics can promote healthy digestion and nutrient absorption, making them some of the best gut supplements:

• Probiotics/prebiotics support gut flora balance. (Try Ancient Nutrition's SBO Probiotics Gut Restore or Regenerative Organic Certified® Gut Recovery Probiotics.)

• Digestive enzymes aid in breakdown of fats, fibers and proteins. (Try Ancient Nutrition's Digestive Enzymes.)

• Fiber supplements help regularity. (Ancient Nutrition's Organic Fiber is made with acacia fiber and konjac root, and it supports healthy, normal gut motility.)

• Bovine colostrum supplementation promotes a healthy gut barrier and microbiome. (Try Ancient Nutrition’s Colostrum.)

Signs of aging for your bladder and urinary tract

What’s happening

Bladder elasticity decreases with age, which may increase urinary frequency or urgency. Here are more details on what happens to your bladder and urinary tract as you age:

• Bladder muscles weaken, and urgency or frequency may increase.

• Pelvic floor support may diminish, leading to occasional bladder leaks.

What you can do

Stay hydrated, practice pelvic floor exercises and avoid bladder irritants like caffeine:

• Practice pelvic floor (kegel) exercises regularly.

• Limit bladder irritants, like caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods.

• Empty bladder fully, and maintain fluid balance.

For those looking to maintain urinary tract health or a healthy gut flora, here are some supplements you can consider

Cranberry extract, D-mannose and probiotics can support urinary tract health and are some of the top urinary tract supplements:

• Cranberry extract and D-mannose support urinary tract health.

• Probiotics help maintain healthy urogenital health and healthy gut flora.

Signs of aging for your memory and thinking skills

What’s happening

Cognitive processing speed and memory may decline as part of normal aging. Here are more details on what happens to your memory and thinking skills as you age:

• Processing speed and recall may slow; multitasking gets more challenging.

• As we age, the brain naturally changes in structure and function.

What you can do

Engage in lifelong learning, get regular physical activity and prioritize quality sleep:

• Stay mentally active with puzzles, learning languages, social engagement, etc.

• Prioritize sleep quality and stress management.

• Combine physical activity with cognitive tasks (e.g., dance lessons, hiking and conversation).

For those looking to maintain cognitive health, here are some supplements you can consider

Omega-3 fatty acids, adaptogens like ashwagandha and nootropic herbs such as ginkgo biloba can help support cognitive health, making them some of the best supplements for cognitive health:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA) supports healthy cognitive function.

• Ginkgo biloba may enhance circulation and cognitive clarity.

• Adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola) help promote a healthy stress response and mental clarity and concentration.  (Try Ancient Nutrition's Organic Ashwagandha.)

• Ancient Nutrition's Creatine + Collagen is another option that’s been shown to:

  • Support brain health

  • Help improve verbal working memory

  • Support mental performance under time constraints

Signs of aging for your eyes and vision

What’s happening

Aging can affect lens flexibility, leading to difficulty focusing, and may increase risk of conditions like cataracts. Here are more details on what happens to your eyes and vision as you age:

• Lens flexibility decreases and makes reading up close more difficult.

• Risk for cataracts, macular degeneration and dry eyes increases.

What you can do

Protect your eyes from UV rays, limit screen time and eat foods rich in carotenoids:

• Use UV-blocking eyewear outdoors.

• Take regular breaks from screens (20-20-20 rule).

• Eat leafy greens, carrots and other carotenoid-rich foods.

For those looking to maintain eye health, here are some supplements you can consider

Lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin A support healthy vision and eye function:

• Lutein and zeaxanthin support macular health.

• Vitamin A is essential for night vision and tear film.

Signs of aging for your hearing and ears

What’s happening

Age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, is common and may affect high-frequency sounds first. Here are more details on what happens to your hearing and ears as you age:

• Age-related hearing loss often begins with high-frequency reduction.

• Protective ear cells may decline due to noise exposure and reduced blood flow.

What you can do

Protect your ears from loud noise, manage blood pressure and avoid smoking:

• Wear ear protection around loud noise.

• Manage blood pressure and overall vascular health to support inner ear circulation.

• Avoid ototoxic medications unless necessary.

For those looking to maintain hearing health, here are some supplements you can consider

Antioxidants may help protect against hearing decline:

• Antioxidants may support ear cell integrity.

Signs of aging for your teeth and gums

What’s happening

Enamel can wear down, and gums may recede, increasing the risk of sensitivity and gum disease. Here are more details on what happens to your teeth and gums as you age:

• Enamel thins, and gum recession can increase sensitivity and decay risk.

• Less saliva production may foster bacterial overgrowth and cavities.

What you can do

Practice good oral hygiene, schedule regular dental checkups and limit sugar intake:

• Brush gently twice daily, floss regularly and visit the dentist.

• Avoid excessive sugary or acidic foods.

• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva.

For those looking to maintain tooth and gum health, here are some supplements you can consider

Calcium, vitamin D and probiotics that support oral microbiome balance can benefit teeth and gums:

• Calcium and vitamin D are essential for tooth and bone support.

• Oral probiotics help maintain a healthy oral microbiome.

Signs of aging for your sexual health

What’s happening

Hormonal changes can affect libido, performance and overall sexual wellness. Here are more details on what happens to your sexual health as you age:

• Hormonal shifts (e.g., decreased estrogen/testosterone) may reduce libido, alter performance and impact comfort.

• Physical changes in pelvic floor strength and blood flow affect sexual function.

What you can do

Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, stress management and open communication with your partner:

• Maintain regular physical activity and reduce stress.

• Communicate openly with partners, and seek professional advice if needed.

• Consider pelvic floor exercises to enhance function.

For those looking to maintain sexual health, here are some supplements you can consider

Maca root and ashwagandha can support sexual wellness and hormonal balance:

• Maca root and ashwagandha support energy, mood and libido.

• Testosterone supplements can be helpful for men and women, as they can promote sexual health.

• Ancient Nutrition'sAN's Testosterone Support for Women + Collagen is a great option because it:

  • Helps to modulate levels of estrogen, progesterone and free and total testosterone in postmenopausal women, increases levels of estrogen, progesterone & testosterone in postmenopausal women

  • Improves normal vaginal dryness

  • Promotes sexual health

  • Supports female hormone balance and healthy testosterone levels

  • Supports healthy, normal pre-menstrual and menstrual cycles

  • Helps to modulate estrogen levels during perimenopause

Conclusion

The signs of aging are a natural part of life, but they don’t have to define your experience. By understanding what happens with normal aging, making healthy longevity lifestyle choices and considering strategic supplementation, you can continue to thrive as you age.

Recognizing the signs of aging as part of normal aging empowers you to respond with evidence-based strategies, not resignation. From cardiovascular resilience to skin radiance, proactive habits, paired thoughtfully with healthy aging supplements, can keep you thriving at every stage.

Aging well isn’t about reversing time; it’s about redefining it on your terms.

As always, you should consult your healthcare professional prior to beginning any new dietary or lifestyle regimen, including dietary supplementation.