8. Changes in Immune System: Age-related changes in the immune system increase vulnerability to inflections, tumors and immune disease. Factors that affect immune system function include hormonal changes, age, nutrition and psychological factors.
a. As we grow older, our bodies are less able to produce antibodies which are important in fighting infections. As a result older adults are at greater risk for infections.
b. The thymus gland produces hormones that are important for the development of white blood cells. The shrinking of the thymus gland begins after adolescence and the level of thymus hormones cannot be detected in the blood.
c. As we age, the immune system also responds less vigorously to skin tests in which a foreign substance is injected below the skin surface, indicating a diminished response to antigens.
Summary of age-related changes in the immune system are:
• Decrease production of thyme hormones
• Decrease levels of antibody response
• Response to antigens diminishes
9. Changes in Musculoskeletal System
Age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system
• Height decreases an average of 2 inches.
• Weight increase until about age 60 and then declines.
• Body fat mass can double, lean muscle mass is lost.
• Decline in bone density.
• Skin becomes thinner and dryer.
• Hair becomes gray.
10. Changes in Reproductive System
Age-related changes in the female reproductive system:
• Ovulation ceases and estrogen levels drop by 95%.
• Vaginal walls become thinner and lose elasticity.
• Most women experience a decrease in the production of vaginal lubrication.
Age-related changes in the male reproductive system
• In some men, testosterone levels drop by up to 35%.
• The size of the testes decreases.
• There is a decline in the rate of sperm production although the extent varies among individuals.
• Erectile dysfunction, in which an erection cannot be achieved, is experienced by 15% of men by the age of 65 and increases to 50% by age 80.
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