Normal Changes Of Aging

Question 1

What happens with age in the Cardiovascular system?

Answer 1

Blood vessels lose flexibility
The heart does not pump as effectively

Question 2

What happens with age in the Respiratory system?

Answer 2

Less breathing capacity
Lungs are less elastic
The transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs is less efficient

Question 3

What happens with age in the Integumentary system?

Answer 3

Epidermis becomes thinner and paler
Dermis and subcutaneous tissue have less blood supply
Subcutaneous fat decreases, especially in arms and legs
Skin becomes folded lined and wrinkled, and is less able to regulate body temperature
Nails become dull, brittle, hard and thick

Question 4

What happens with age in the Genito-Urinary system?

Answer 4

Blood flow to kidneys is less
Less muscle tone in bladder
Bladder can hold less urine
Some have troubles completely emptying the bladder

Question 5

What happens with age in the Gastrointestinal system?

Answer 5

Decreased number of taste buds
Decreased chewing capacity (tooth decay)
Decrease in amount of digestive enzymes
Decrease in bowl muscle tone
Decreased mobility in the intestine’s
Decreased nutrition absorption

Question 6

What happens with age in the Endocrine system?

Answer 6

Decrease in amount of hormone produced.

Question 7

What happens with age in the Nervous system?

Answer 7

Decreased number of nerve cells
Transmissions at the nerve endings slow down throughout the body

Question 8

What happens with age in the Musculoskeletal system?

Answer 8

Joints stiffen
Muscles may become weaker
Bones loose calcium and become more prone to breaking
Spinal column shortens

Question 9

What happens with age in the Sensory system?

Answer 9

Eyes:
Pupils react more slowly to changes in light
Eyelids may get droopy and not close as tightly
Amount of tears is less
Ears:
Change in ability to conduct sound
Change in functioning of the little hair cells in the ear canal