Physical Changes Flashcards
Rate of aging: Approaches to slowing or reversing the aging process
Delay chronic illnesses or old age
Slow the fundamental processes of aging to increase life span
Actions:
*Caloric restriction (food consumption) – Nutrition risk
*Human growth hormone – Negative side effects
* Physical activity
Changes in Hair
Hair loss caused by destruction of germ centers that produce hair follicles
graying cause by cessation of pigment production
Other hair changes:
males do not lose facial hair
females gain facial hair (caused by hormonal changes: climacteric/menopause)
Skin
Skin begins to wrinkle for most people when they are in their 20s
Skin is thinner and drier, less effective at regulating heat or cold (less receptors), and more susceptible to cuts, bruises, and blisters
Wrinkles (four step process)
*Outer layer becomes thinner through cell loss (fragile)
* Collagen fibers lose much of their flexibility (less able to regain its shape)
* Elastin fibers in the middle layer lose their ability to keep the skin stretched out,
* Amount of fat diminishes
Sun effects:
later age: ultra violet rays break down connective tissue
Early stages: helps bone density
Skin other changes;
pigment containing cells decrease
age spots,moles
varicose veins (irregularities in blood vessels)
less sensitivity
los of touch (less receptors)
adapts: less sun, moist air, use of skin creams
Voice
Differences between young and old voices
-lower in pitch
-increased breathlessness and trembling
-slower and less pronounced pronunciation
-decreased volume
possible reasons
- changes in larynx, respiratory system and muscles (stiff)
Automatic system: temp control
Older people do not adjust to temperature changes as well as young people do
* During very cold or very hot spells more older adults die.
* Older adults are much less likely to notice it (skin and metabolic system).
* Slower ability to raise core body temperature and to sweat
* Hypothermia: reduction in body temperature; can result in death
* Adaptations: room temperature at least 68°F, clothing appropriate to temperature
* Heat stress/hyperthermia can lead to high body temperature (fever-
hypothalamus)
* Adaptations: drinking cool beverages, resting, cool shower/bath, lightweight clothing,
avoiding strenuous activities
Sleep and aging
Sleep complaints are common
* Difficulty to fall asleep or get
back to sleep
* Less REM needs (deep sleep)
* Sleep more lightly
* Circadian rhythm changes
* Daytime napping and shorter
sleep cycles at night
Adaptation
* Sedatives – Side effects, not
very efficient
* Active lifestyle
* Sleep hygiene (routine, no TV-
devices, no caffeine, no awake
in bed more than 15 minutes)
Vision
Structural changes in the eye
– Adaptation – light and dark (need of more light), yellowing of lens, dry
eyes.
– Presbyopia/farsightedness – gradual loss of the eyes’ ability to focus on
nearby objects. Early to mid 40’s (eyes lose the ability to adjust for
different distances).
– Cataracts - Opaque spots on the lens
– Glaucoma – Fluids don’t drain, high pressure (loss of vision)
Retinal Changes
– Macular degeneration
* Destruction of receptors (blurriness)
– Diabetic retinopathy
* Fluids in the macula, detachment of the
Retina, blindness
effects: reading, TV, driving , etc
corrective action: glasses, artificial tears, surgery (cataracts)
environmental changes (bright lights, large fonts)
Hearing
By age 65, about one-third of adults have
some significant hearing impairment
* Cumulative effects (earbuds/headphones,
concerts, loud environment, telephone
operators)
* Presbycusis-Reduced sensitivity to high-
pitched sounds (first)
* Atrophy of the receptor cells or auditory
nerve. Affects the ability to understand
speech
* Damage of the vibrant structures
Social adjustment to hearing
loss
* Loss of independence –
Functional impairments
(shopping)
* Social isolation
* Irritation, paranoia, depression
* Emotional effects – Feelings
about interpersonal
communication (embarrassment,
fear, sad, mad, desperate, etc.)
– Screenings - Audiologist
– Corrective actions can be taken
– Hearing aids (digital, cochlear),
– not covered by Medicare, echo
– Awareness
– Speak slowly and clearly
– Speak face-to-face
– Eliminate background noise
– Supportive non-verbal
communication
Smell and taste
Chemical senses that work together
* Play an important role in basic needs (food, sex) and protecting us
from harm
* Sense receptors of odor and to taste lose their ability to function
* These declines vary from flavor to flavor and person to person
(sweet and salty).
* Risks ?????? - Malnutrition, poisoning, personal hygiene.
* Adaptations: smoke detectors, increased food safety; incorporate
spices, diversity of flavors, textures, temperatures in food
Feet
Aging brings years of wear and tear on feet
* People with diabetes are especially at risk
* Problems with feet can be the first sign of more serious medical
conditions
* Foot pain can contribute to falls
* Adaptations: Good foot care; raising feet when sitting; warm footbaths;
wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes
Bones
Calcium loss causes less dense, more fragile bones
* Obesity (all systems)
* Loss begins in the late 30s, accelerates in the 50s, and
slows in the 70s
* Gender differences, women have less bone mass and
depletion of estrogen after menopause speeds up bone
loss
* Osteoporosis: leading cause of broken bones in older
women
* Adaptations: maximize bone mass early in life (especially
women), adequate calcium intake, weight-bearing exercise
Muscle mass and balance
Muscle mass begins to
decrease in middle adulthood;
* Sarcopenia – Loss of muscle
* Adaptations: exercise,
especially resistance training is
useful up to age 90; moderate
increase in protein
* Balance (Vestibular system –
responds to gravity)
* Dizziness, lightheaded, vertigo
* Difficulty to integrate sensory
information (white matter-brain)
* Environmental hazards
* Loose rugs
* Slippery floors
* Tai Chi, Feldenkrais, Balance
Hormonal system in men and women
Men
Gradual decline in testosterone.
* Decrease in viable sperm,
muscle mass, sexual desire, and
sexual response.
* Erectile dysfunction is associated
with age and can be treated with
medication
Women
Menopause occurs signaling an
end to reproductive abilities.
* Ovarian failure related to drop in
estrogen and changes in
progesterone.
* Average age of menopause is 51.
Menopause
Differences in the severity of symptoms
* Most women experience some symptoms
* Can last for months or years
* Adaptations: sleeping in a cool room, drinking cold beverages,
dressing in layers, exercise, good sleep hygiene practices,
medication
* Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – Risk of heart attack, stroke, and
cancer
Brain and Nervous system
Loss of brain cells (neurons),
* less than previously believed
* not all loss translates to functional decline.
* Life-long plasticity (new dendrites and pruning).
* Neurogenesis (growth of new neurons) – Slows down with
aging
* Slowing of transmission across the synapses between
neurons.
