Aging Physiology Review Flashcards
What is the definition of aging?
“A persistent decline in the age-specific fitness components of an organism due to internal physiological deterioration.”
What are the two main theories of aging?
- Extrinsic theory (aging due to cumulative damage)
- Intrinsic theory (aging is pre-programmed).
What are some extrinsic factors contributing to aging?
- Free radicals
- Radiation exposure
- Errors in protein synthesis
What are some intrinsic factors contributing to aging?
- Genetically programmed cellular death
- Telomere shortening
- Species-specific maximum lifespan
What percentage of lifespan is spent in decline according to the material?
75% of lifespan.
What can modify the steepness of age-related decline?
Exercise and other lifestyle factors.
What body system changes occur with aging?
Changes occur in skeletal tissue, body composition, collagenous tissues, cardiovascular tissues, nervous system, visual and sensory systems, immune system, and hormonal axis.
What changes occur in skeletal tissue with aging?
- Bone loss of around 0.5% to 1% per year starting at age 30, and 2% per year for women during menopause.
What are the visual changes that occur with aging?
- Decreased acuity
- Contrast sensitivity
- Depth perception
- Peripheral vision
- Increased glare sensitivity.
How does aging affect visual acuity and visual field?
- Acuity is the capacity of the eye to discriminate fine details of objects in the visual field.
- Factors responsible for these changes are increased thickness of the lens and decreased elasticity of the lens
- Accommodations: visual aids (glasses, contacts); magnifiers; large-print paper/ books/ electronics specifically larger print for educational materials and exercise program
How does aging affect the vestibular system?
It may result in dizziness and unsteadiness.
What happens to proprioception with aging?
There is a decrease in proprioception and vibration sensation.
How can visual changes (color) with aging be accommodated?
Using visual aids, larger print, better lighting, and using bright warm colors for better visibility.
What causes glare sensitivity in older adults?
- Increasing opacity of the lens and degenerative changes in the cornea.
- Accommodations: Lamp shade or curtains to soften light; non-glare wax on floors; flat paints; signs without shiny coating.
How does aging affect the ability to adapt to darkness?
- Older adults have smaller pupils and require two to four times more light.
- Accommodations: using a night-light, carrying a pocket flashlight, light timers,increased task illumination
What changes occur in depth perception with aging?
- Reduced ability to estimate the relative distance of objects and difficulties with curbs and stairs.
- Accommodations: using colored tape to differentiate changes in height or flooring.
What are some sensory changes in hearing with aging?
- Increased difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds and distinguishing sounds in noisy environments.
What is conductive hearing loss?
Hearing loss due to problems transmitting sound to the inner ear.
What is sensorineural hearing loss?
Hearing loss due to dysfunction in converting sound waves to electrical signals or transmission to the brain.
How does aging affect tactile sensitivity?
Decreased ability to differentiate or manipulate small objects and slower ability to determine temperature.
What are some risk factors for bone loss?
Genetic factors, lack of weight-bearing exercise, and hormonal changes.
How can bone health be improved with exercise?
Weight-bearing exercises such as aerobics, strength training, tai chi, and walking.
What is urinary incontinence (UI)?
The involuntary leakage of urine.
What are the types of urinary incontinence?
- Stress UI: Involuntary leakage of urine that occurs on effort or exertion, or on sneezing or coughing.
- Urge UI: Involuntary leakage of urine accompanied by or immediately preceded by urgency (a sudden, strong desire to pass urine, which is difficult to deter) – can be due to an infection, or a more severe condition such as a neurologic disorder or diabetes.
- Overflow incontinence: Involuntary loss of urine associated with urgency and also with exertion, effort, sneezing, and coughing.
- Mixed UI: occurs when the bladder does not empty completely, causing leakage when the bladder becomes overly full. It may result in symptoms of either stress or urgency incontinence or both; occasionally due to blockage in urethra.
What are some treatments for UI?
Medical, pharmacotherapy, surgery, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
What is the ‘stress strategy’ for managing UI?
Contracting the pelvic floor muscles prior to and during increased abdominal pressure.
What are some lifestyle measures to manage UI?
Restricting bladder-irritating foods, weight loss, fluid management, and caffeine reduction.
How does aging affect collagenous tissues?
Loss of water from the matrix, increase in collagen crosslinks, and loss of elastic fibers.
What are glycoconjugates and how are they affected by aging?
Molecules that maintain fluid content in tissues; aging decreases their synthesis and increases degradation.
What changes occur in chondroid structures with aging?
Damage to articular cartilage and reduced capacity to heal.
What is calcification and how does it affect joint structures?
Accumulation of calcium salts in tissues, leading to decreased hydration and compromised load absorption.
How does aging affect intervertebral discs?
Nucleus becomes more fibrous, decreased water content, and shorter disc heights leading to spinal stenosis.
What changes occur in fibrous joint structures with aging?
Decreased cross-sectional area and tensile strength, increased stiffness.
How does aging affect body composition?
Decrease in lean mass and increase in fat mass, particularly in the peritoneum.
What role does fat play in inflammation and metabolic disorders?
Adipose tissue secretes hormones and cytokines that regulate metabolism; excess fat contributes to systemic inflammation and insulin resistance.
How does exercise affect systemic inflammation?
Exercise significantly reduces inflammation markers.
What changes occur in muscle tissue with aging?
- Loss of lean muscle mass
- Atrophy of Type II fibers
- Increased fat infiltration
- Reduced contractile properties
What happens to muscle satellite cells with aging?
Reduction in the number of satellite cells, affecting muscle repair and growth.
How does fat infiltration affect muscle function?
- Decreased contractile capabilities
- Altered fiber orientation
- Increased inflammation
What is the impact of aging on the nervous system and muscle strength?
Loss of muscle mass due to axonal loss and decreased innervation.
What are some systemic changes with aging?
Increased systemic inflammation, shift in fat mass to the abdomen, and reduced lean muscle mass.
How does aging affect the hormonal axis?
Changes in hormone levels that regulate growth, metabolism, and stress response.
What are the major age-related changes in collagenous tissues?
Loss of water, increased collagen crosslinks, and loss of elastic fibers.
How can articular cartilage health be maintained?
Moderate levels of intermittent joint loads and avoiding excessive compression and torsion loads.
What is the role of calcification in joint health? (3 types)
Compromises load-absorbing capacity and is associated with decreased hydration.
What are the effects of spinal disc changes with aging?
Leads to conditions like spinal stenosis due to decreased water content and height.
How do connective tissue changes affect arthrokinematics?
Increased stiffness, decreased volume and viscoelasticity of chondroid structures, and altered bone structure.
What is thoracic kyphosis and how does it affect other joints?
An exaggerated forward curvature of the thoracic spine, affecting posture and joint alignment.
How does body composition change with aging?
Increased fat mass and decreased lean muscle mass.
What are adipokines and their role in metabolism?
Hormones and cytokines secreted by adipose tissue that regulate energy balance and metabolism.
How does chronic overnutrition affect the immune system?
Triggers uncontrolled inflammatory responses leading to systemic low-grade inflammation.
What is the relationship between fat accumulation and insulin resistance?
Increased fat, especially in the abdomen, contributes to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders.
How does aging affect muscle fiber composition?
Type II (fast twitch) fibers atrophy more than Type I (slow twitch) fibers.
What is the impact of decreased muscle contractile properties with aging?
Slower rate of force development and reduced muscle strength.
What changes occur in the motor units with aging?
Decreased activation and loss of motor neurons.
???
- A) Cataracts
- B) Diabetic Retinopathy
- C) Glaucoma
- D) Macular Degeneration
- A) Cataracts
???
- A) Cataracts
- B) Diabetic Retinopathy
- C) Glaucoma
- D) Macular Degeneration
- B) Diabetic Retinopathy
???
- A) Cataracts
- B) Diabetic Retinopathy
- C) Glaucoma
- D) Macular Degeneration
- C) Glaucoma
???
- A) Cataracts
- B) Diabetic Retinopathy
- C) Glaucoma
- D) Macular Degeneration
- D) Macular Degeneration
