Getting older brings wisdom, life experiences, and clarity about how you want to live. But let’s be real—some of the physical changes that come with age can be less than glamorous. Here are some of the odd and inconvenient things to expect as you approach 60.
Gums bleed more often
As you age, your gums naturally weaken and recede, increasing the risk of gum disease. If dental care wasn’t a priority earlier in life, you might experience more frequent gum bleeding by the time you reach 60. Regular checkups and good oral hygiene can help mitigate these issues.
More hair in your ears
Aging can bring some unexpected changes, like a “second puberty” where hair begins to grow in new places. For many men, this includes rapid hair growth in the ears. While it’s normal and nothing to worry about, ear hair can be managed with careful shaving or trimming.
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Eyelashes fall out
As people age, some may experience eyelash loss, where their lashes become thinner, brittle, or fall out altogether. This can lead to increased eye irritation, as lashes normally help protect the eyes from dust and debris. While not everyone faces this issue, it’s one of the more unpleasant side effects of aging.
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Your breath smells milky
A strange and somewhat gross side effect of aging is the change in breath odor. Many people report that their breath takes on a “milky” smell after reaching age 60, possibly due to increased calcium intake. This shift in diet and natural changes in the body can contribute to the altered breath smell.
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Your dentures can smell
For many, getting dentures is a normal part of aging and becomes routine to manage. However, it’s surprising for some to learn that without proper care, dentures can develop a strong, unpleasant odor. Regular cleaning is key to avoiding this smelly situation!
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Teeth protrude more
As you age, your smile can undergo unexpected changes. One common issue is gum recession, which can cause teeth to protrude and alter the overall appearance of your smile. This shift can be surprising and might change the way you look more than you’d expect.
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You develop liver spots
Liver spots, also known as age spots, are harmless patches of skin discoloration that often appear on the face, arms, or hands with age. While they pose no health risk, their appearance can make it harder to maintain a clear, blemish-free complexion, as they tend to be quite common and challenging to prevent.
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Varicose veins
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that commonly appear under the skin, particularly on the legs. While they’re typically not serious, they can be a cosmetic concern for many older adults. Additionally, varicose veins may cause aches, pain, or discomfort, leading some to seek treatment options like compression stockings, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, medical procedures to alleviate the symptoms or improve appearance.
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Feet become misshapen
As you age, the shape and condition of your feet can change significantly, especially if your lifestyle involves being on your feet all day or wearing ill-fitting shoes. Many people over 60 experience issues like bunions, which can alter the shape of the foot and cause discomfort. Other factors, like weight changes, arthritis, or a lifetime of poor footwear choices, can contribute to changes in the feet’s structure, leading to a flatter or wider shape.
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Heels get hard and cracked
Cracked heels can become a common issue as you age, often due to a combination of dryness, loss of skin elasticity, and decreased circulation. Even with self-care routines like bubble baths or resting your feet, maintaining soft, crack-free heels can be challenging. A dedicated moisturizing and exfoliating regimen is essential, but many people find it hard to commit the time and effort. Regularly using a foot cream, wearing comfortable shoes, and soaking your feet can help manage this condition, but it often requires consistent attention to prevent cracks from forming.
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It’s difficult to clean your back
As people age, decreased mobility can make certain tasks, like thoroughly washing hard-to-reach areas such as the back, more difficult. This can lead to issues with hygiene and skin care. Fortunately, a simple solution is using a long-handled brush or scrubber.
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More earwax
As people age, their body’s oil production changes, affecting various functions. One common effect after 60 is an increase in ear wax production, which can become excessive or unexpected for some.
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Skin dries easily
As you age, your skin faces daily challenges, from weather to bacteria, and over time, it shows the effects. By 60, many people notice their skin becomes drier and loses its natural glow.
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You miss your mouth more
As we age, conditions like tremors, poor eyesight, and weaker muscles can make eating a bit more challenging. It’s normal to occasionally miss your mouth, but the key is to enjoy your meals regardless!
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More hair in your nose
If ear hair caught you off guard, nose hair might be next! Many people notice more nose hair after 60. You can remove it if you prefer, but make sure to do it carefully and hygienically to avoid irritation or infection.
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Your couch starts to smell
As people age, they often have less energy for tasks like deep cleaning their furnishings. Spending more time on the couch but cleaning it less can cause it to develop unpleasant odors over time.
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You start to smell like your pet
As we get older, managing pet hair can feel like a never-ending task. Many older people become more relaxed about it, accepting that their clothes and furniture will often carry the scent of their beloved dog or cat a bit longer than before.
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Your kitchen fills with crumbs
Crumbs can easily slip into hard-to-reach places, making it tough to keep your home crumb-free. As mobility decreases with age, tasks like sweeping under the fridge or in tight corners often become too difficult or simply not a priority, leading to lingering odors over time.
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Body odor changes
Just like during puberty, body odor can change again in older age. Many people are surprised to discover that their scent shifts later in life due to changes in hormones, skin, and overall body chemistry. It’s another unexpected part of the aging process!
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You forget to shower as often
As people age, daily routines can shift, and many older individuals may prioritize other activities over showering. With retirement and fewer social commitments, they might not feel the need to shower every day, which can lead to less frequent bathing. Memory issues can also play a role in forgetting to wash regularly.
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Hair gets dull and brittle
\As you age, your scalp produces less natural oil, leading to drier hair that lacks shine. Hair follicles also shrink, causing strands to become thinner and more prone to breakage. Over time, environmental damage and decreased collagen levels contribute to hair becoming brittle and dull after 60.
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You wear the same clothes daily
Wearing the same clothes for multiple days in a row, especially in retirement or on slower days, might seem harmless and comfortable. While it’s not a big deal occasionally, it can feel a bit grungy over time. Keeping up with basic hygiene, even if it’s just changing outfits, helps maintain a fresher and cleaner feeling.
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Your lips get thinner
As you age, subtle changes in your facial structure can happen gradually, and you might not notice them at first. Cheekbones can become less defined, cheeks may appear fuller, and lips might thin out. These changes are a natural part of aging as the skin loses elasticity and facial fat distribution shifts.
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Your neck sags
As you age, it’s common to develop a sagging neck due to the loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone. While it might seem trivial, many people notice this change, often referred to as “turkey neck,” which can result from a natural decline in collagen production.
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You gain new digestive issues
By the time you hit 60, your body becomes less forgiving of certain foods, much like the wake-up call you experienced in your 30s. Acidic foods, greasy snacks, and heavy meals can lead to indigestion, heartburn, or other digestive issues. Adjusting your diet to include more gentle, nutrient-rich options becomes key to feeling good and maintaining your health.
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Hair gets thinner
As you age, hair loss can become more prominent, even if it wasn’t an issue in your younger years. Many people experience thinning or balding on the top of their heads as they get older. This is a common part of aging, but there are treatments and hair care routines that can help manage or slow the process if it’s something that concerns you.
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Your legs get skinnier
As you get older, muscle mass naturally decreases, and for some people, this leads to what’s commonly referred to as “chicken legs.” This occurs when the calves and thighs lose bulk, giving them a thinner, knobbly appearance. Staying active and incorporating strength training can help maintain muscle tone, but it’s a common part of the body’s natural aging process.
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Your tongue changes color
Yes, your tongue can indeed get paler or less red as you age. This change can happen for various reasons, such as reduced blood circulation, shifts in diet or lifestyle, or simply the natural aging of the tissue. It’s generally harmless, but maintaining good oral health and staying hydrated can help keep it in better condition.
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You lose your tolerance for spice
As you age, your body may become more sensitive to spicy foods. This can lead to issues like acid reflux and stomach discomfort, making it wise to limit or avoid hot dishes if you’ve not been accustomed to them. Listening to your body and adjusting your diet can help maintain your comfort and health.
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Eyes become sunken
As you age, wrinkles around the eyes are common, but you might also notice that your eyes appear more sunken, especially if you have hooded eyelids. This happens because the skin loses elasticity and begins to sag, creating a more pronounced appearance of the eyes.
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Your eyebrows become sparse
As some people turn 60, they may experience hair growth in unexpected areas, while others notice hair loss, particularly in their eyebrows. This can lead to sparse brows, making it important to consider using sunglasses for added protection to the eyes.
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Teeth get discolored
Maintaining white teeth can be challenging, and even with good care, most people need chemical treatments for a bright smile. For those over 60, however, teeth may be too fragile for such whitening methods, often resulting in stubborn yellowing of the enamel.
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Skin feels powdery
As you age, your body produces less collagen, causing skin to become thinner and more prone to cuts and bruises. This can make the skin feel powdery, as if it’s delicate and soft like baby powder.
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Women get hair on their chin
Many women are surprised to find chin hairs as they age, especially around 60. It’s a common occurrence for some women to notice a few long, dark hairs emerging on their chin.
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You sweat more in your sleep
By the time many people reach their 40s, achieving a deep and restful night’s sleep can feel like a myth. Unfortunately, this often worsens in their 60s, making sleep even more elusive. As you age, you might notice an increase in night sweats, as your body has more difficulty regulating its temperature during sleep.
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Posture becomes hunched
If you have good posture now, cherish it! As you age, maintaining it can be challenging. Many people develop rounded shoulders and a hunched back if they don’t actively work to keep their spine aligned.
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Sense of smell fades
As you age, your senses change, affecting your preferences and sensitivities. You might find that your sense of taste and smell fades, requiring stronger flavors and aromas to register.
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Your nails break often
As women age, their nails can become a source of frustration due to brittleness and weakness. This change is often linked to reduced collagen production, resulting in nails that are more prone to breaking and losing their vitality.
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Flat feet
As people age, they often gravitate toward comfortable shoes because of changes like fallen arches, which can make feet lose elasticity and flatten. This shift can lead to significant discomfort, making it essential to prioritize foot protection.
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That “old people smell”
It’s often a sensitive topic, but some people do notice developing a distinct “old people smell” as they age. This unique scent can be difficult to define and doesn’t affect everyone, but many older individuals acknowledge its presence.
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