Is ageing ‘normally’ possible?

You’ve blown out an extra candle on the birthday cake this year and are noticing a few additional aches are creaks. So, as you age – what’s normal pain and what isn’t?

The Herald Sun reports on some of the things you should look-out for in the ageing process.

Age 30 to 50 years:

What’s normal? The occasional neck or back ache while waking; back stiffness after driving for more than two hours; and some aching in the legs after walking for 30 minutes to an hour. Experts also suggest you don’t panic when you forget people’s names and where you put your keys as they consider this a normal occurrence for people in this age group.

What’s abnormal? Intense pain in one or more joints after carrying shopping; difficulty or discomfort getting into a low car or out of a seat. If you have problems negotiating familiar places or difficulty recognising faces or colours, it may be wise to see your GP.

Age 50 to 70 years:

What’s normal? Aches and pains when changing bed sheets; discomfort or restriction in the neck while checking the blind spot in a car; back ache when sitting for long periods; stiffness or aching in the legs while walking.

Forgetting to keep appointments or going into another room and forgetting what you went in there for are reportedly considered normal for this age group.

What’s abnormal? Joint pain that wakes you up in the night; being unable to turn your neck at all to check a blind spot due to stiffness or pain; avoiding low chairs and sofas due to knee, hip or back pain.

If you’re forgetting who your family members are but childhood memories are vivid and leaving belongings in strange places, experts recommend you seek professional medical advice.

Aged 70 years and over:
What’s normal? Knee pain while going down stairs; needing a rest after 20 minutes of walking; needing to swap shopping bags for trolleys; preferring upright chairs to sofas; needing to use your arms to push up from a chair. Frequent episodes of absent-mindedness are also common in this age group.

What’s abnormal? Shortness of breath while walking and carrying light bags over a short distance; difficulty getting up from a chair without help.

If you can’t remember how to make a cup of tea or you constantly leave the stove on, it is reportedly important you see your doctor.