Getting older is something that many of us either tend to ignore, or embrace wholeheartedly. However, there is a certain threshold when certain health issues start to show up more prominently. In our twenties, we are almost invincible, for example, if you’ve had a baby with a straightforward birth, you may have been able to function pretty effectively, but when we hit the fourth decade, this could all change. While being 40 doesn't mean that you are opening yourself up to diseases, there are issues that can start to seek up on you. Here are some issues to keep an eye out for.

Teeth Problems 

When you hit 40, the reality of the situation is you've got to start looking after your teeth better. You may have had fillings in your teens and twenties, and it’s at this point where they start to wear out and crumble. 

This is where dental health professionals can give you invaluable advice and give you regular check-ups, especially as receding gums start around the age of 40, which can expose tooth roots, increase your sensitivity, and can potentially cause more pain.

Food Allergies

While many people develop food allergies in childhood, especially those related to dairy, many people by the age of 40 have consumed excessive antibiotics and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which can disrupt gut bacteria and increase food allergies and sensitivity. 

As we get older, we can find the foods that we know and love start causing more issues. The two-pronged solution here is to be aware of changes in your body (and mind) after you consume certain foods but also work on improving your gut bacteria, for example, by consuming more fermented foods. 

Increasing research on gut bacteria is bringing new information all the time, especially in relation to the connection between food and depression. If you have an allergy or intolerance to a food and have started to notice brain fog, stomach cramps, or hives, you may wish to visit an allergen specialist.

High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is something that increases in our advancing years. As we get older, our blood vessels become less flexible, resulting in increased pressure on how our blood is carried through our body. 

To manage your blood pressure, the best approach is to look at your levels of stress. Higher blood pressure is associated with diet, and ensuring that you eat well, reduce your sodium intake, and exercise on a regular basis are simple things that can be very effective.

Depression or Anxiety

While stress can cause hypertension, the “hidden illnesses” of anxiety, depression, and stress are all factors that we must address. Mental health disorders can appear in early adulthood prior to hitting 40, but the stresses of modern life, for example, raising children, concerns about money, and getting older can take their toll on our faculties. Aging women can also experience a spike in depression in the run-up to menopause which can occur in our 40s, but depression and anxiety are fundamental problems that can occur at any age. 

Depression and anxiety are partly to do with prevention rather than cure. Ensuring that you have a healthy outlet for your depression or anxiety, by talking to friends, or, if necessary, going to therapy, can help you to feel like you are under control. 

The world of Instagram or social media seemingly showing perfect people can unconsciously create that stress to perform and be better in every part of our lives, which is an unsustainable practice. The best way to mitigate depression or anxiety is to make sure that you do you.

Obesity

Obesity starts to increase as our metabolism slows down. Obesity is linked with so many chronic diseases, for example, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. If you start to take control of your weight at this pivotal age, you will be able to control every aspect of obesity better. 

The solution is not just about hitting the gym, or healthy eating, but about a combination of methods to ensure you can stay within a healthy BMI. Even if you are considered skinny by your friends, there is such a thing as “skinny fat,” and even if you are thin in appearance, consuming unhealthy foods is not going to do your insides any favors in the long run.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can start around 40, when the cartilage starts to wear away between joints, resulting in issues in places like the hips, knees, and the lumbar cervical spine. Doctors used to think that getting older was the cause because of wear and tear, but lack of physical activity, being overweight, and genetics may all play a part. 

To minimize osteoarthritis, strength training is one of the best approaches to improve your cartilage. It's also important to be aware that exercise is an effective tool, but using the right type of exercise will make a big difference. For example, if you like running, running with improper form can do more damage to your lower body, further exacerbating osteoarthritis.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Some people experience asthma early in life and tend to grow out of it, but COPD can start at 40 without you even knowing it. Symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulties breathing can happen to all of us, especially after COVID, but it's critical to start keeping track of your lung health. 

Inflammation and blockages in your lungs can creep up slowly and COPD can hit its peak in your 70s. Avoiding smoking, eating well, and, of course, exercising by increasing your cardiovascular health can make a big difference here.

40 is not old anymore. However, while people are living longer, it's important to focus on the quality of life. When we hit the magical 4-0, we need to start looking at our health with greater focus. Issues can start to become more prominent and build up over the ensuing years. Choosing to ignore them, and carrying on as we used to do is a very dangerous decision. We are living longer, but as some of these issues can sneak up on us, it's time to make time for our overall health.