Chapter 4 Physical Changes Flashcards
Primary Aging
Normal age related changes
Skin Changes
-Pigmentation changes (moles, dark spots, age spots)
- fewer hair molecules
- largest organ in body
- loss of flexibility and elasticity in connective tissues (Elastin and collagen) around 30s
- skin gets more translucent
- reduced sebaceous and sweat gland activity
(Sebaceous gland creates oils and lubricants for our skin)
Photoaging
changes in the skin caused by exposure to UV rays
- this accelerates cross-linking
Nail changes
Grow Slower
Grow Thicker
Teeth Changes
Loss of enamel
Hair Changes
- Individual / Gender Differences
- deconstruction of germ centres that produce hair follicles (hair loss)
- cessation of pigment (melanin) production leads to grey hair
- facial changes with age as well
Androgenetic Alopecia
Hair loss
Implications of physical changes from aging
- close link between physical and psychological well- being
- cosmetics and surgery’s
- hair transplants
- preventative measures to hide changes
Double Standard
physical signs of aging and attempts to hide them
For women there is more pressure to hide age related changes
For men, hiding signs of aging not as acceptable, looked down on
Body Build - Decrease in height
- Starts in mid 50s to mid 70s, women lose more than men
- about an inch
- loss of bone material in vertebrae (weakening of vertebrae leads to spine to collapse and shorten in length)
- posture
Body Build - Weight Gain then Loss
Muscles and bone to fat - Not beneficial weight loss Fat-Free mass (FFM) decreases (muscle and bones) Body mass index (BMI) increases Men - weight gain near middle Women- weight gain near hips
Body Build - What to do
exercise
Cardio, muscle and bone strengthening, balance
Social Physique Anxiety
Anxiety about what your body looks like
Balance
Decreased Balance
Can turn into a cycle, previous falls can lead to increased risk of falling again due to fear of falling
Balance - Vestibular System
Balance system within the inner ear
- some primary and some secondary aging effects
- Dizziness- light headed
- Vertigo- Spinning feeling
Balance - Practical Strategies
Wear proper eyeglasses
Using prosthesis while walking
instal balance aids in the home
Become trained in taking care while walking
Get shower chair or bath bench
Install hand-held shower head
Sit while grooming
Have sturdy step stools if needed in kitchen
Keep the cell phone handy
Avoid throw rugs and many changes in flooring
Tai chi and martial arts good for balance
Sarcopenia
that adults years are characterized by progressive age-related loss of muscle tissue , the process is sarcopenia (loss of muscle Mass)
Muscles
- Small decrease in muscle mass, strength and speed of contraction
- Tendon stiffness also plays a role in strength and related to the cross linking of collagen
- Little isometric (endurance) and eccentric (going down) strength
- longer recover after injuries
Sarcopenic obesity
obesity linked to loss of muscle mass and having fat
Implications for muscles
Resistance and weight training
Stretching
Aerobic exercise
Bone Remodelling
Loss and growth throughout life of living bone tissue throughout life, dying cells and creating new ones
Loss of bone tissue timeline
begins in late 30s , accelerates in 50s, slows in 70s
Gender differences for body build
men tend to gain the weight near their middle
females tend to gain the weight in their hips
Gender Differences and bone
Greater effects on women due to hormone levels, less to start with, accelerated by the loss of estrogen and testosterone
-menopause - less estrogen
Impacts of Aging
on Bone
- Microcracks- weakening
- loss of collagen/ cross linking
- stiffer and less flexible bones break easier
- individual differences (genetics, obesity)
How to Help bones and aging
- Exercise
- don’t smoke
- increased risk with BMI over 25
- weight and resistance training (best thing for bones is weight bearing exercises like walking or weights)
- high protein diet
- calcium
- Vitamin D
- Magnesium