ageing

Question 1

How does ageing affect the nervous system?

Answer 1

Ageing leads to a decline in cognitive function, slower reaction times, decreased neurotransmitter production, and reduction in brain volume.

Question 2

What physiological changes occur in the nervous system due to ageing?

Answer 2

Neuron loss, reduced synaptic density, decreased plasticity, myelin sheath degradation, and decreased blood flow to the brain.

Question 3

Q3: At what rate does the nervous system age in different sexes?

Answer 3

Cognitive decline becomes noticeable in the 60s and 70s. Women generally experience slower cognitive decline than men due to hormonal differences and protective effects of estrogen.

Question 4

How does ageing affect the immune system?

Answer 4

Ageing causes immunosenescence, leading to a decline in immune function, increased susceptibility to infections, diseases, and slower wound healing.

Question 5

Q5: What physiological changes occur in the immune system due to ageing?

Answer 5

Reduced production of B and T cells, diminished response to vaccines, and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines.

Question 6

At what rate does the immune system age in different sexes?
A6:

Answer 6

Women tend to maintain better immune function longer than men. Immunosenescence varies based on genetics, lifestyle, and overall health

Question 7

How does ageing affect the cardiovascular system?

Answer 7

Ageing leads to arterial stiffening, increased blood pressure, reduced cardiac output, and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis.

Question 8

What physiological changes occur in the cardiovascular system due to ageing?
A8:

Answer 8

Thickening of heart walls, decreased elasticity of blood vessels, and reduced heart pumping efficiency.

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Question 9

Q9: At what rate does the cardiovascular system age in different sexes?
A9:

Answer 9

Men tend to develop cardiovascular diseases earlier than women, who experience a similar risk after menopause due to hormonal changes

Question 10

How does ageing affect bones and muscles?
A10:

Answer 10

Ageing leads to decreased bone density (osteoporosis) and muscle mass (sarcopenia), increasing the risk of frailty and fractures.

Question 11

Q11: What physiological changes occur in bones and muscles due to ageing?
A11:

Answer 11

Reduced calcium absorption, slower bone regeneration, and a decline in muscle fibers and strength.

Question 12

Q12: At what rate do bones and muscles age in different sexes?
A12:

Answer 12

Women, especially post-menopausal, experience a faster decline in bone density. Both sexes lose muscle mass, but men retain more muscle mass longer due to higher initial levels.

Question 13

What is osteoporosis?
A13:

Answer 13

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened bones and decreased bone density, leading to an increased risk of fractures.

Q14:

Question 14

What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?
A14:

Answer 14

Risk factors include aging, hormonal changes (especially in post-menopausal women), insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Q15:

Question 15

How can osteoporosis be prevented or managed?
A15:

Answer 15

Prevention and management strategies include adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing and resistance exercises, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Q16:

Question 16

How does osteoporosis differ between sexes?
A16:

Answer 16

Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men due to lower bone mass and hormonal changes after menopause that accelerate bone loss.

Question 17

How can physical activity (PA) and exercise slow the ageing process?
A17:

Answer 17

Regular PA and exercise improve cardiovascular health, maintain muscle mass and bone density, enhance cognitive function, and boost immune response.

Question 18

Q18: How does aerobic exercise benefit the ageing process?
A18:

Answer 18

Aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular health, increases endurance, and enhances oxygen uptake and utilization.

Q19:

Question 19

How does resistance training benefit the ageing process?
A19:

Answer 19

Resistance training increases muscle mass and strength, enhances bone density, and boosts metabolism.

Q20:

Question 20

How does flexibility training benefit the ageing process?
A20:

Answer 20

Flexibility training improves range of motion, reduces stiffness, and decreases the risk of injuries.

Q21:

Question 21

How can exercise close the performance gap and mitigate the damage caused by ageing?
A21:

Answer 21

Exercise maintains physical function, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, improves mental health, and promotes independence in older adults.

Q22:

Question 22

What is the difference in the impact of aerobic vs. resistance vs. flexibility exercises on ageing?
A22:

Answer 22

Aerobic exercise primarily benefits cardiovascular health, resistance training focuses on muscle and bone strength, and flexibility exercises enhance joint function and prevent injuries. A balanced combination of all three is most effective in mitigating the effects of ageing.