No matter how much some of us hate the idea of entering the later stages of our life, we should have in mind that aging is a privilege. However, this period of life it comes with changes that some people have a hard time accepting.

Once a person turns 70, their body enters a “unique phase.” The changes don’t happen over night, but gradually, and most of them almost always appear together.

Understanding these changes can help people over 70 prepare and adjust all for the sake of maintaining their quality of life.

1. Why sleep becomes lighter after 70

One of the first changes many people notice as they get older is that sleep becomes lighter. This happens because after 70, melatonin, the hormone that supports deep sleep, is not produced as much as before. As a result, the body’s internal clock reacts more strongly to light and noise.

Light sleep comes with more frequent waking up during the night , difficulty falling back asleep, and feeling tired the following morning.

It’s important to understand that at people over 70, this condition isn’t insomnia but a normal change that comes with age. Simple habits like getting natural light in the morning, avoiding bright screens late in the evening, and keeping regular sleep and wake times can help make rest a little easier.

2. Temperature regulation becomes less reliable

After 70, the body slowly loses the ability to control temperature as well as it once did. As a result, the pace of adapting to changes slows down, and this explains why older adults generally feel colder, get hotter faster, and sweat less.

Sadly, this can raise the risk of heat stroke or hypothermia. What helps is dressing in layers (even at home), avoiding temperature extremes, and drinking plenty of fluids.

3. Digestive changes become common

Digestion also slows with age, meaning the stomach produces less acid, the intestines are less efficient at moving food along, and the body doesn’t absorb nutrients as well as it once did.

As a result, the person feels full faster, may experience issues with constipation, or may develop deficiencies in nutrients like B12, iron, or calcium.

This can be improved by eating small, frequent meals, getting fiber from whole foods, and drinking water consistently throughout the day.

4. Balance declines

One of the most serious changes that comes with aging is the loss of balance. It’s not unusual for people over 70 to experience muscle loss, as well as issues with their vision, the inner ear, or slowed reactions.

The good news is that this can be improved by practicing simple exercises such as standing on one foot while holding onto a chair, walking heel to toe in a straight line, or doing gentle movements.

Balance mostly comes down to coordination and awareness, with some muscle helping along the way.

5. Protein plays a key role in preserving muscle

Sarcopenia, a type of muscle loss that occurs with aging and/or immobility, is another issue many seniors face. What is important in order to slow down or avoid this condition is consuming enough protein and keeping the muscles “busy” with regular movement.

Foods like eggs, fish, dairy, beans, lentils, and lean meats are all good options to help support muscle health.

These changes happen to nearly everyone after 70. They’re a normal part of how the body ages, and what makes the real difference is how people respond and adjust to them.