Ageing and Frailty

Question 1

What is inter-individuality variability?

Answer 1

This describes the differences between two people. This increases as you age.

Two 85yr olds are more different (increased inter-individuality).
Two 25yr olds are less different (decreases inter-individuality).

Inter-individuality variability increases with age.

Question 2

What happens to blood pressure as you get older?

Answer 2

Your systolic blood pressure increases but your diastolic blood pressure decreases.

Cardiac output decreases.
Poorer baroreceptor reflex to detect changes in blood pressure.

Question 3

What happens to the respiratory system as you age?

Answer 3

Your total lung capacity stays the same but your vital lung capacity is reduced.

Question 4

What if frailty?

Answer 4

Progressive dyshomeostasis = reduction in our ability to deal with any environmental challenges.

Its a state that leads to a person being more likely to lose function in the face of a given environmental challenge.

Question 5

What are frailty syndromes?

Answer 5

Falls
Delirium
Immobility
Incontinence

Question 6

Why are blackouts common?

Answer 6

Reduced baroreceptor reflex = less able to maintain blood pressure.

Decreased cardiac output = less able to increase their heart output.