Have you noticed that you bruise more often than you used to? If you have, don’t worry it is totally normal. As we age, our bodies undergo different natural changes. One of those changes is that our skin’s ability to repair itself diminishes, and wounds are slower to heal. Also, certain conditions, diseases, or medications have an effect on bruising.

That is why it may be difficult to prevent bruising, but you can take some precautions. You can remove furniture to create clear paths so you can freely move in your personal space and avoid bumps or falls. You can also ask for assistance when sitting and standing if you are likely to fall. Another tip is installing handrails where you need them. And don’t forget to discuss the use of a cane or a walker with your doctor/practice Nurse or Physiotherapist.

And how are bruises treated? The body eventually reabsorbs the blood, and bruises tend to fade away. However, elderly bruising can take several weeks, even months, to go away. There are some ways to speed the healing process, so you can ask your doctor what you can do.

Our bodies change, and that is something that we have to accept. Sometimes, there is nothing we can do, but prevention always needs to be considered. So bruises are physical consequences of aging: we have to accept that aging involves those consequences, which means that we have to start taking some precautions that we didn’t have to take when we were younger. That is not a sign of weakness that is a sign of experience.