Aging-Phys Flashcards
Senescence
Period of life from old age to death
What percentage does chronic diseases account for in the US?
70%
Define “aging”
Deterioration in function of all tissues and organ systems
Age-Dependen changes definition
Changes that are inevitable with age:
- Decreased number of cells in the body
- Decreased cell division
- Increased cell death
- Malfunction of many cells that remain
Age-Related changes definition
Changes that have a great incidence with age but are NOT inevitable
Age-Dependent Changes: Body Composition
- Decreased total body water
- ->Reduced proteins and lean body mass, increased body fat
- Difficult regulating body temp
- Impaired thirst
- Risk of dehydration greater
Age-Dependent Changes: Musculoskeletal System (muscle changes)
- Reduced muscle mass!
- ->Lose Type II fibers
- Reduced muscle strength
- Decreased: Aerobic capacity, cartilage strength, tendon flexibility
Age-Dependent Changes: Musculoskeletal System (Bone changes)
- Decreased bone density
- Degenerative joints
- Spinal curvature
Is osteoporosis a normal part of aging?
NO! Preventable
Age-Dependent Changes: Cardiovascular
- Slowed HR
- Decreased elasticity, Decreased compliance and Increased vascular stiffness
- Atherosclerosis–> Increased Systolic BP
What age-dependent changes in the respiratory system can increase the risk of infection in older adults?
Intercostal musculature atrophy
Age-Dependent Changes: Pulmonary
- Decreased lung elasticity and recoil
- ->Decreased radial traction=early airway closure and air trapping @ end-expiration
- ->Trapped air increases FRC and RV
What is the most common dermatologic symptom among older patients?
Xerosis (dry skin)
Why does hair turn gray in older patients?
Decreased Melanin
Why do older patients have increased frequency of micturition?
-Decreased bladder capacity
Decreased renal mass increases what? Decreasees what?
Increases Glomerulosclerosis
Decreases # Glomeruli
Is incontinence a normal part of aging?
NO! Usually due to infection
What leads to decreased saliva production?
Increased periodontal dz
What does decreased peristalsis lead to?
- Delay in food emptying into the stomach
- Increased heartburn
What does decreased gastric acidity lead to?
-Predisposes to H. pylori infection
Why are older men predisposed to urinary retention?
Prostate Hyperplasia
Does FSH and LH increase or decrease in older females?
Increase
What is a normal age-dependent change of the nervous system?
Decline in weight of the brain
–>decreased blood flow and oxygenation= mild forgetfulness
What is a normal age-dependent change of vision?
Greater difficulty seeing objects in dim light b/c lens grow larger and thicker= less elastic
Presbyopia
Can’t focus on near objects (farsighted)
Need for bifocals?
Due to non-accommodating
What is difficult for older people to hear?
High pitched consonants
–>due to gradual cumulative loss of hair cells and neurons
Presbycusis
Gradual loss of hearing associated with aging
Otosclerosis
Fusion of ear ossicles producing conductive hearing loss
Causes of Aging: Programmed theories (aging is programmed into our bodies
- Programmed senescence: timed cell apoptosis
- Hormonal: Biologic clock alters hormone secretion
- Immunologic: T cell function declines
- Telomere shortening
Stochastic Theories-Process of living: related to environmental impacts
- Oxygen free radicals: Tissue damage caused by free radicals
- Metabolic rate: higher BMR, shorter lifespan
- Glycation
- Wear and tear
Anti-aging: Mediterranean Diet
- High fish, low meat, moderate alcohol
- Promotes omega 3-fatty acids, Vitamin D, Vitamin B
Anti-Aging: Resveratrol
Red wine: Reduced risk for blood clotting, lower “bad” LD cholesterol
Anti-Aging: Caloric Restriction
-May reduce formation of free radicals
