Ageing brings predictable changes, but not all decline is inevitable. Too often, symptoms of disease are dismissed as “just ageing,” delaying diagnosis and treatment that could preserve independence and quality of life.

Clinicians distinguish normal ageing from pathology by looking at speed of change, functional impact, and reversibility. Normal ageing is gradual; disease accelerates decline.

Normal changes with ageing

• Slightly slower reaction time
• Reduced muscle mass without training
• Mild changes in sleep patterns

Changes that are not normal ageing

• Rapid memory loss
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent falls
• Loss of ability to manage daily tasks

Why early evaluation matters

Conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, depression, thyroid disease, and early dementia are treatable when identified early.

Bottom line: Ageing explains change — it does not excuse deterioration. Early assessment protects independence.