Health and Me

Ishita Roy

40s Bring Lots Of Changes, Says Doctor, Take Care Of Your Bone, Joint And Urinary Health

Crossing 40 often brings subtle but noticeable changes in how your body feels and functions. Many people brush off early signs like morning stiffness, reduced flexibility, or frequent bathroom visits, not realizing these are part of natural age-related changes. These shifts primarily affect the bones, joints, and urinary system, areas that quietly define everyday comfort.

According to Dr. Aashish Chaudhry, Managing Director &amp; Head, Orthopedics &amp; Joint Replacement, Aakash Healthcare, these changes are expected but shouldn’t be ignored. “After 40, the body’s regenerative capacity slows down, particularly in bones and joints. Being aware of these changes helps in early prevention and better long-term outcomes,” he says.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Bone Health</span>: Slower Regeneration and Higher Risk of Fractures</h2>

Bone density gradually declines with age due to hormonal changes. Women experience a drop in estrogen, and men see reduced testosterone levels—both crucial for supporting bone formation.

“Lower hormone levels weaken the natural bone-building cycle,” explains Dr. Chaudhry. “This increases the risk of fractures and even slows down healing when injuries occur.”

<ul><li>Reduced bone density</li><li>Higher risk of osteoporosis</li><li>Slower fracture recovery</li></ul>

To counter this, weight-bearing exercises and strength training are crucial. A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein supports bone metabolism and maintains strength.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Joint Health</span>: Wear, Tear, and Early Stiffness</h2>

Years of repetitive movements, combined with declining collagen production, make joints more vulnerable. Cartilage becomes less elastic, leading to stiffness, reduced mobility, and the early onset of osteoarthritis.

“Many people notice joint pain but assume it's just fatigue,” says Dr. Chaudhry. “In reality, early joint wear can be detected and managed much earlier with the right interventions.”

<h2>What contributes to joint discomfort after 40?</h2>

<ul><li>Natural wear and tear</li><li>Reduced cartilage elasticity</li><li>Slower lubrication of joint spaces</li><li>Early degenerative changes</li></ul>

Flexibility-focused exercises like yoga or stretching, along with anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and omega-3 sources, can ease stiffness and protect long-term mobility.

<h2>Urinary Changes: More Common Than You Think</h2>

While both men and women experience changes in urinary patterns, men often notice symptoms more prominently due to prostate enlargement. A bigger prostate narrows the urinary passage, causing:

<ul><li>Frequent urination</li><li>Weak urinary stream</li><li>Urgency or incomplete emptying</li><li>Night-time urination</li></ul>

Women, on the other hand, may struggle with pelvic floor weakness, leading to leakage or urgency.

Dr. Chaudhry notes, “These symptoms are common after 40, but they shouldn’t be normalized. Early evaluation can prevent chronic discomfort.”

Hydration remains essential. Cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, and salty foods can also lighten urinary symptoms and prevent kidney irritation.

<h2>Lifestyle Adaptations That Make a Real Difference</h2>

Shifting from reactive to preventive care is key after 40. The goal isn’t to stop ageing—it's to age comfortably and confidently.

<ul><li>Strength and mobility exercises</li><li>Pelvic floor training</li><li>Maintaining a healthy weight</li><li>Regular health screenings (bone density, kidney tests, prostate evaluation)</li><li>Stress management through yoga, meditation, or deep breathing</li><li>Consistent sleep routines to support tissue repair</li></ul>

“Think of this stage as preparing your body for the next decades,” says Dr. Chaudhry. “With the right lifestyle adjustments, most people can maintain excellent mobility and function well into older age.”

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Crossing 40 often brings subtle but noticeable changes in how your body feels and functions. Many people brush off early signs like morning stiffness, reduced flexibility, or frequent bathroom visits, not realizing these are part of natural age-related changes. These shifts primarily affect the bones, joints, and urinary system, areas that quietly define everyday comfort.According to Dr. Aashish Chaudhry, Managing Director & Head, Orthopedics & Joint Replacement, Aakash Healthcare, these changes are expected but shouldn’t be ignored. “After 40, the body’s regenerative capacity slows down, particularly in bones and joints. Being aware of these changes helps in early prevention and better long-term outcomes,” he says.Bone Health: Slower Regeneration and Higher Risk of FracturesBone density gradually declines with age due to hormonal changes. Women experience a drop in estrogen, and men see reduced testosterone levels—both crucial for supporting bone formation.“Lower hormone levels weaken the natural bone-building cycle,” explains Dr. Chaudhry. “This increases the risk of fractures and even slows down healing when injuries occur.”Key concerns include:Reduced bone densityHigher risk of osteoporosisSlower fracture recoveryTo counter this, weight-bearing exercises and strength training are crucial. A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein supports bone metabolism and maintains strength.Joint Health: Wear, Tear, and Early StiffnessYears of repetitive movements, combined with declining collagen production, make joints more vulnerable. Cartilage becomes less elastic, leading to stiffness, reduced mobility, and the early onset of osteoarthritis.“Many people notice joint pain but assume it's just fatigue,” says Dr. Chaudhry. “In reality, early joint wear can be detected and managed much earlier with the right interventions.”What contributes to joint discomfort after 40?Natural wear and tearReduced cartilage elasticitySlower lubrication of joint spacesEarly degenerative changesFlexibility-focused exercises like yoga or stretching, along with anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and omega-3 sources, can ease stiffness and protect long-term mobility.Urinary Changes: More Common Than You ThinkWhile both men and women experience changes in urinary patterns, men often notice symptoms more prominently due to prostate enlargement. A bigger prostate narrows the urinary passage, causing:Frequent urinationWeak urinary streamUrgency or incomplete emptyingNight-time urinationWomen, on the other hand, may struggle with pelvic floor weakness, leading to leakage or urgency.Dr. Chaudhry notes, “These symptoms are common after 40, but they shouldn’t be normalized. Early evaluation can prevent chronic discomfort.”Hydration remains essential. Cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, and salty foods can also lighten urinary symptoms and prevent kidney irritation.Lifestyle Adaptations That Make a Real DifferenceShifting from reactive to preventive care is key after 40. The goal isn’t to stop ageing—it's to age comfortably and confidently.What helps:Strength and mobility exercisesPelvic floor trainingMaintaining a healthy weightRegular health screenings (bone density, kidney tests, prostate evaluation)Stress management through yoga, meditation, or deep breathingConsistent sleep routines to support tissue repair“Think of this stage as preparing your body for the next decades,” says Dr. Chaudhry. “With the right lifestyle adjustments, most people can maintain excellent mobility and function well into older age.”