Physical changes of ageing

Question 1

Define hypertension

Answer 1

Long term medical condition o high blood pressure

Question 2

Risk factors relating to lifestyle

Answer 2

Drinking excessive alcohol
Smoking
Lack exercising
Poor diet- too much fat
Diet high in salt

Question 3

Define cardiovascular disease

Answer 3

Set of disorders relating to narrowing or blockage of blood vessels

Question 4

4 changes that happen to the heart as a result of ageing

Answer 4

Build up of cholesterol which narrows or blocks arteries
Increase in size of heart muscles making it harder to fill heart with blood
Thickening or stiffening of valves
Deterioration of SAN (pacemaker) leading to irregular heartbeat

Question 5

Effects of deterioration of nervous tissue

Answer 5

Poor short term memory
Deterioration of the senses
Slower reflexes

Question 6

How a reduction in neurons results in slower reaction times

Answer 6

Neurones create pathways for signals to be sent from receptors to effector cells to generate a response in the muscles e.g.
Reduction in these cells means less impulses going from the receptors to effector cells
Leads to messages being slower and reaction times are slower

Question 7

Define Parkinson’s disease

Answer 7

Disease that causes loss of nerve cells leading to mobility problems

Question 8

How changes in the brain lead to symptoms of Parkinson’s

Answer 8

The area of brain is damaged produces the neurotransmitter dopamine which controls movement so a decline in this means less messages being sent for muscles to move, movement becomes more difficult

Question 9

Positive effects of cardiovascular disease

Answer 9

Choosing to make healthier lifestyle choices e.g. exercising more
Forming stronger bonds with family members

Question 10

Negative effects of cardiovascular disease

Answer 10

Anxiety or depression
Social isolation

Question 11

Factors that lead to deterioration in cardiovascular health

Answer 11

Being overweight
High blood cholesterol levels
Family history of poor cardiovascular health
Diabetes
Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Question 12

Define osteoarthritis

Answer 12

Condition that causes joints to become more painful and stiff as there’s less cartilage between bones

Question 13

Effects of osteoarthritis

Answer 13

Pain in joints
Stiffness
Swelling

Question 14

Treatments for osteoarthritis

Answer 14

Exercise
Painkillers
Anti inflammatory drugs

Question 15

Effects of old age on taste

Answer 15

Fewer taste buds so food is enjoyed less could lead to lack of appetite
Less saliva produced so food enjoyed less
Loss of smell therefore taste and cannot tell if food is edible or not

Question 16

Effects of old age on touch

Answer 16

Less sensitive to temperature so increased likelihood or burns
Less sensitive to injury e.g. cuts
Skin more susceptible to the sun so more likely to burn

Question 17

Effects of old age on sight

Answer 17

Peripheral vision declines
Pupil’s reaction time slower
Vision lacks clarity- blurred vision

Question 18

Effects of old age on hearing

Answer 18

Can’t hear high pitch sounds
Build up of wax in outer hear so sound transmission blocked
Problems with balance as a result of build of fluid in inner ear

Question 19

Benefits of exercise on elderly

Answer 19

Improves cardiovascular fitness
Decreases chance of heart disease
Increases life expectancy as lowers risk of diabetes and stroke

Question 20

How illness can lower self esteem

Answer 20

Loss of independence so might feel like a burden asking for help
Difficulty meeting friends and family so may feel isolated and lonely

Question 21

Physical effects of ageing

Answer 21

Loss of mobility
Body is less able to fight infection
Decline of the senses
Loss of elasticity in the skin

Question 22

How poor vision can lead to falls

Answer 22

Increased chance of tripping over things at home
Sight loss affects balance
Creates unfamiliarity in places other than the home

Question 23

Intellectual affects of ageing

Answer 23

Slower reaction times
Memory lapses

Question 24

Symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s

Answer 24

Poor judgement
Increased susceptibility to infections
Reduction in short memory
Unable to communicate

Question 25

Reasons for reduction in absorption of nutrients

Answer 25

Body becomes less effective at absorbing nutrients
Teeth are more brittle so harder to chew food
Taste of food may change so some may lose appetite