October Novel Prep Challenge

There are tons of differences. As we age, we get shorter due to compression of our discs. Joints often begin to wear out. Of course, for all physical things, lifestyle and genetics play a part. We lose our color vision beginning with blue and lastly losing red. There generally isn't a total loss, but things don't look as vibrant as they once did so older people may prefer brighter colors in some cases. They so have more trouble with glossy paper and may miss fine details related to color (or details, in general, if related to vision). Also, because of the loss of color vision along with the loss of sense of taste and smell (again, not total and so gradually that most folks aren't even aware of these changes) the may not eat as much because the food doesn't taste as good or they may over-salt to get more flavor.

Reflexes slow and they lose muscle tone. Sure, hitting the gym makes a difference but at 60, you aren't going to have the muscle tone of a 20-year-old. Depending on sun exposure, there may be spots on their hands, face, and shoulders though they often begin simply by looking like freckles. Skin becomes more fragile and bruises more easily. Certain medications, especially after a stroke, can enhance this. The skin may appear like crape and wrinkles appear around the eyes, forehead and mouth, worse with sun exposure when they were younger. Things start sagging. They are often more pale because they realize they shouldn't be tanning. They may be more likely to wear sunscreen as well as hats and sunglasses. They may also pester others to do so. Also, their nose and ears get bigger.

Their eyes tend to lose their pigment and if they are beginning cataracts, will begin to look more cloudy. This is, again, genetics and sun exposure. They may need reading glasses when they didn't before or bifocals or even trifocals.

They may begin having trouble hearing in crowded spaces or even need volumes turned up. If they need hearing aids, they may resist getting them, same with glasses or bifocals. The same with a cane or walker, though at 60, most folks don't need them, but some certainly do. If they are going hiking, they often bring hiking sticks. They tend to be less adventurous when it comes to dangerous activities. Of course, all these things are generalities. Ruwth went skydiving for her 70th birthday or something. But if you ever go to do it, yourself, you'll notice very few, if any, older adults in your group.

People who were raised during or not long after the depression may worry more about finances or may hoard money or food. There are other such cohort things, but I can't think of any ATM.

They tend to be less politically correct, though not on purpose. They can have more restrictive views about marriage, relationships before marriage, drugs, roles of the sexes, etc. They also tend to have stronger opinions about the importance of saving for retirement as well as spending time with family and friends.

As people age, it's been mentioned that they have more experience with death. This doesn't necessarily make them immune to it but can make them dread funerals and fear the death of others, and, of course, their own. Because of the loss of friends and family often being too busy, as well as sometimes losing their mobility and/or transportation, they may become lonely or purposely seek out opportunities such as travel, senior centers, and volunteering.

Their metabolism slows down so they may gain weight. The dulling of the senses can cause Weight gain as well as they continue to (often subconsciously) seek the delicious foods of their youth. They are often on more meds than younger people and tend to have more doctor visits.

I'm sure there's tons more if I think about it. But much of this depends on lifestyle and genetics. Everyone is different. I was told at 47 or so that I had the balance of a 72-yr-old because of my brain injury. Take things that are useful for your character and ignore the rest. Maybe your character is still very physically spry, but is pretending they aren't having problems with their hearing.