Common aging changes Flashcards
Influences of aging/changes throughout the lifetime
genetic factors
environment
diet
health
stress
lifestyle choices
others
Cells
the number of cells gradually reduces
lean body mass reduces
fat/adipose tissue increases
cellular solids & bone mass decreases
the extracellular fluid remains constant, but intracellular fluid decreases=less total body fluid & an increased risk of dehydration
Physical appearance
more noticeable changes begin to appear after the 4th decade of life
men experience hair loss
gray hair & wrinkles
body fat trophies, which can cause a bony appearance along with the deepening of the hollows of the intercostal & supraclavicular spaces, orbits & axillae
elongated ears
facial hair growth (women)
diminished muscle mass & skinfold thickness
decreased height due to reduced hydration, loss of cartilage & thinning of the vertebrae
thicker hair in ears
narrower gait in women & wider gait in men
skinfold thickness is reduced as well as the body’s natural insulation, making them more sensitive to cold temp
