At a family gathering, I heard a relative talk about her health concerns, and her voice was full of unease: "You know what, as we get older, the blood gets thicker and thicker, so the risk of blood clots increases dramatically. The people around them nodded their heads, as if this idea had been deeply implanted in their hearts. At this moment, I realized that many misconceptions about blood clots and blood states have quietly circulated in our lives and become a "fact" that cannot be questioned. 
However, as a doctor who focuses on health science, I know that the truth is far more complicated than this simplistic view. The formation of blood clots is not just due to "thickening of the blood", but a complex process involving blood components, vascular status, and a variety of physiological factors. What's more, as we age, the factors that increase the risk of blood clots go far beyond changes in blood "consistency." In this article, I'm going to take you through an in-depth exploration of how blood clots are formed, and is the blood state of the elderly really the way the public thinks? Together, we will dispel common myths in this field and uncover the true mechanism of thrombosis and the scientific ways in which older adults can effectively reduce the risk of blood clots. Through this in-depth science journey, I hope to help people get rid of deep-rooted misconceptions and embrace a healthy lifestyle based on science. Blood clots, although they are a product of the body's protective mechanisms, can become a health threat in an instant. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets quickly accumulate at the wound site, forming a primary thrombus to prevent blood loss. At this point, the coagulation system activates and a complex series of reactions converts soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin, forming a strong blood clot. Ideally, blood clots form only when needed and are confined to the wound area. However, damage to the endothelium or hemodynamic changes in the blood vessels can lead to abnormal blood clots, blocking blood vessels, and being life-threatening. The popular belief is that older people have thicker blood and are naturally at higher risk. However, blood "consistency" is not a single indicator, but is determined by a combination of factors. Blood viscosity, or fluidity of blood, is affected by multiple factors such as hematocrit, protein levels, and water intake. As we age, the proportion of water in the body decreases, and hematocrit may increase, but this is not universal. In fact, proper hydration and a healthy lifestyle can effectively manage blood viscosity and reduce the risk of blood clots. The direct link between blood viscosity and thrombosis is not as strong as is commonly believed. Although highly viscous blood may be more difficult to pass through small blood vessels, thrombosis is primarily driven by vascular endothelial damage and hemodynamic abnormalities. The main risk for older adults comes from chronic diseases such as abnormal glucose metabolism and increased systemic arterial blood pressure, which indirectly increase the risk of thrombosis by compromising vascular health. 
Decoding the risk: Not only the traces of age, the formation of thrombosis is not only a natural consequence of aging, but also the product of multifactorial conspiracy. Recognizing disorders such as abnormal glucose metabolism, increased systemic arterial blood pressure, and poor lifestyle habits such as sedentary lifestyles and an unbalanced diet contribute to the risk of blood clots is the first step in prevention. Drug use, especially certain medications that can increase the tendency of blood clotting, are also factors that cannot be ignored. Understanding these factors means that defensive strategies can be more targeted rather than the general "increased vigilance as you age". Lifestyle remodeling: The battle to prevent blood clots as the guardian of the arteries lies in part in the fine-tuning of lifestyle. Moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, not only promotes blood circulation, but also strengthens the heart and lungs and increases metabolism, directly fighting the mechanism of thrombosis. Equally important is water intake, which helps maintain proper hydration levels to help maintain blood flow. In terms of diet, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as deep-sea fish, and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, can not only help regulate blood lipids, but also reduce inflammation and indirectly reduce the risk of blood clots. Regular check-ups: The wisdom of early planning is the key to preventing thrombosis by detecting and managing diseases such as abnormal glucose metabolism and increased systemic arterial blood pressure as early as possible. Regular physical examinations can identify these risk factors at an early stage and adjust the ** plan in time. Especially in older adults, regular monitoring of blood viscosity and clotting function is essential to prevent blood clots. 
Rational use of medications: Precise defense follows doctor's instructions and uses drugs wisely, especially those that may affect blood clotting and mobility, is another important aspect of preventing blood clots. For individuals who need to take medication for a long time, regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the drug and adjusting the type and dosage of the drug if necessary is key to ensuring that it is both effective and safe.