Physiological changes during older adulthood
- A number of physiological changes occur as we grow older.
- Most of the normal changes of aging have no impact on normal functioning,although they become apparent when the body is placed under stress (e.g.,acute illness,physical exertion).For example ,the heart rate of older adults is lower than that of younger adults.
- It is important to be able to recognize the changes of normal aging versus the effects of disease.Untreated disease can result in''excess disability'' and reduce the quality of life of individuals.
- Poor health in later life is not inevitable. Much of the illness and disability associated with aging is related to modifiable lifestyle factors that are present in middle age.
1.changes in the integumenty system
a. The skin becomes thinner drier and wrinkles appear on the face and neck.
b. The skin can be easily injured or bruised.
c. The subcutaneous layer of fat is lost causing sagging of the skin and less tolerance to cold.
d. There may appear lesion or spots over the skin.
e. Perspiration may decrease due to diminished blood supply to the skin.
2. Changes in cardiovascular system: In healthy people, the changes that normally occur in the cardiovascular system with aging do not significantly limit the normal work capacity of the heart. Most of the changes that cause clinically significant declines in cardiovascular function are the results of disease.
Major cardiovascular changes with aging are:
a. The maximum heart rate decreases and it takes longer for heart rate and blood pressure to return to normal resting levels after exertion.
b. The aorta and other arteries become thicker which may bring a moderate increase in systolic blood pressure with aging. In some individuals, this may result in hypertension.
c. The valves between the chambers of the heart thicken and become stiffer. As a result heart murmurs are fairly common among older adults.
d. The pacemaker of the heart loses cells and develops fibrous tissue and fat deposits. These changes may cause a slightly shower heart rate and even heart block. Abnormal heart rhythms and extra heart beats become more common.
3. Changes in respiratory System: The respiratory system reflects changes that occur in many other body systems, including the cardiovascular, nervous and musculature system. Most of the normal respiratory changes with age are of little functional significance in healthy older adults. However, they do reduce reserve capacity and increase vulnerability to respiratory disease.
Major age-related changes in the respiratory system
a. The lunges become stiffer, muscle strength and endurance diminish, and the chest wall becomes more rigid.
b. Total lung capacity remains constant but vital capacity decreases and residual volume increase.
c. The alveolar surface area decreases by up to 20 percent. Alveolar tend to collapse sooner on expiration.
d. There is an increase in mucus production and a decrease in the activity and number of cilia.
e. The body becomes less efficient in monitoring and controlling breathing.
a. The skin becomes thinner drier and wrinkles appear on the face and neck.
b. The skin can be easily injured or bruised.
c. The subcutaneous layer of fat is lost causing sagging of the skin and less tolerance to cold.
d. There may appear lesion or spots over the skin.
e. Perspiration may decrease due to diminished blood supply to the skin.
2. Changes in cardiovascular system: In healthy people, the changes that normally occur in the cardiovascular system with aging do not significantly limit the normal work capacity of the heart. Most of the changes that cause clinically significant declines in cardiovascular function are the results of disease.
Major cardiovascular changes with aging are:
a. The maximum heart rate decreases and it takes longer for heart rate and blood pressure to return to normal resting levels after exertion.
b. The aorta and other arteries become thicker which may bring a moderate increase in systolic blood pressure with aging. In some individuals, this may result in hypertension.
c. The valves between the chambers of the heart thicken and become stiffer. As a result heart murmurs are fairly common among older adults.
d. The pacemaker of the heart loses cells and develops fibrous tissue and fat deposits. These changes may cause a slightly shower heart rate and even heart block. Abnormal heart rhythms and extra heart beats become more common.
3. Changes in respiratory System: The respiratory system reflects changes that occur in many other body systems, including the cardiovascular, nervous and musculature system. Most of the normal respiratory changes with age are of little functional significance in healthy older adults. However, they do reduce reserve capacity and increase vulnerability to respiratory disease.
Major age-related changes in the respiratory system
a. The lunges become stiffer, muscle strength and endurance diminish, and the chest wall becomes more rigid.
b. Total lung capacity remains constant but vital capacity decreases and residual volume increase.
c. The alveolar surface area decreases by up to 20 percent. Alveolar tend to collapse sooner on expiration.
d. There is an increase in mucus production and a decrease in the activity and number of cilia.
e. The body becomes less efficient in monitoring and controlling breathing.
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