89 On average, women lose up to 10% of their bone mass in the first five years after menopause. After this, the rate of bone loss slows. About one in two women over the age of 60 will experience at least one fracture due to osteoporosis. COMMON PHYSICAL ISSUES Adulthood is the period when it is fundamental to improve health-related quality of life, from disease prevention and management to health promotion. It is precisely then that some minor physical issues start occurring, and a few other problems which are part of this phase of life. See unit 4.2 for more information on osteoporosis. ONLINE RESOURCES In ammation Immunode ciency and congenital syndromes What is a headache? Hypertension and cholesterol Other conditions that may occur during adulthood are: Sarcopenia Decline in muscle tone and bone strength (also known as sarcopenia) start in your 30s and 40s. In addition to weakness, tendons and ligaments lose some of their flexibility and elasticity, leaving us more prone to injuries and falls. People in their 40s feel new aches and pains, especially after strenuous activity, and do not recover as quickly from a minor injury or workout. mood swing: sbalzo d umore to narrow: restringere strenuous: faticoso stroke: ictus Menopause and andropause Most women reach menopause i.e. the end of the menstruation cycle between the ages of 45 and 55. Reproductive hormones drop and bone density starts to decrease , increasing the risk of developing osteoporosis . Its symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, and joint and muscle aches may disrupt sleep, lower energy, and affect mood. Men, instead, experience andropause, a natural decline in testosterone and growth hormone levels, which cause, for example, mood swings, irritability, insomnia, and poor concentration. Sight Around the age of 40, many adults notice changes in their vision. This is due to a condition called presbyopia, which makes it difficult to focus on close objects, such as when reading or using a computer. It occurs as the lenses in our eyes become less flexible over time. 180 ADULTS AND ELDERLY PEOPLE hypertension, i.e. blood pressure which is above standard limits, which poses risks to the heart, kidneys, and well-being in general; high cholesterol, i.e. the presence of too much fat in blood, which may harden, narrow, or block blood vessels thus increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.