Growing older comes with plenty of changes, from forgetting a name to moving a little slower — but not every change should be chalked up to age.
That’s the message from geriatric specialist Dr. Anita Chandra, who says she often hears patients tell her they assumed certain changes in their loved ones were simply part of getting older.
“And sometimes it is,” Chandra wrote in a social media post. “But not every new change should automatically be explained by age.”
Here are the eight signs Chandra says should prompt a closer look and a conversation with a doctor.
1. Slowing down
A gradual slowdown is a typical sign of getting older, as research suggests it costs older people more energy than younger people to move.
Other explanations could include a slower metabolism, a loss of muscle mass and becoming less active over the years. But a noticeable decline over a relatively short period, such as weeks or months, is not considered a normal part of aging.
“Changes in walking speed, climbing stairs or getting out of a chair deserve attention,” Chandra said.
2. Forgetfulness
Having more trouble remembering things can be a hallmark of aging, with an estimated 42% of Americans over the age of 55 living with dementia in 2025 — a number that’s expected to double by 2050.
While psychological functioning begins to decline around age 65, memory changes can also have other causes, including medications, hearing loss, depression, illness or cognitive impairment.
3. Eating less
Appetites naturally decrease with age due to changes in metabolism and activity levels, which can contribute to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
But Chandra adds that “unintentional weight loss is different,” as it can be a sign of depression, physical illness or difficulty cooking for oneself.
4. Stubbornness
Becoming more stubborn with age can be a way for people to protect their sense of control. But it can also be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly when accompanied by other mood or behavioral changes.
The behavior looks similar in both cases, however, but there are multiple possible explanations, including fear, hearing loss or difficulty understanding.
5. Falling
According to Chandra, falls are common, but they’re not a normal part of aging.
Instead, a fall can be a clue that something has changed. Falls can have several causes, including poor eyesight and conditions that affect balance, such as diabetes, mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
Age-related muscle loss — known as sarcopenia — can also make everyday activities like walking and climbing stairs more difficult, contributing to poor balance and falls.
6. Sleeping more
Sleep patterns change as we age, and older adults tend to get less sleep because they may have trouble falling asleep or wake more often throughout the night.
Sleeping more than usual or sleeping much of the day, however, could be a signal of illness, depression, medication side effects or another another medical problem.
7. Withdrawing from activities
As we get older, the way we spend our free time can change, especially after retirement.
Chandra says she often hears older adults justify withdrawing from hobbies and activities having earned the right to slow down. But sometimes there’s more than meets the eye, she added.
“Giving up walking, cooking or hobbies isn’t always a choice,” Chandra explained. “Sometimes it’s the first sign they’re losing function.”
Physical limitations from joint pain, arthritis or declining vision, as well as mental health conditions or cognitive failure, can cause older adults to withdraw from hobbies they once enjoyed.
8. Loss of independence
According to Chandra, loss of independence, or the ability to make decisions and participate in daily activities, is often gradual.
“Most older adults adapt long before anyone notices,” she said.
That’s why subtle changes in older person’s independence are important to notice. The earlier those changes are recognized, the sooner they can be evaluated and, if necessary, addressed with help or treatment.
