Physiological changes and adaptation in the older adult

Question 1

What is the gene regulation theory of aging?

Answer 1

senescence (aging) results from changes in gene expression

- long life has a genetic component

Question 2

What endocrine axis is the master regulator for physiological adjustments necessary for preservation and maintenance of internal homeostasis?

Answer 2

hypothalamo-pituitiary-adrenal axis

- theory that aging/stressors can cause this to weaken or decrease adaptational capacity

Question 3

T/F: As we age, we lose type I and type II fibers.

Answer 3

false, just type II

- actually gain more type I

Question 4

What muscular changes are associated with aging?

Answer 4

• more rapid fatigue
• loss of type II fibers
• decreased muscle strength and power
• loss of muscle mass

Question 5

What happens to cartilage as we age?

Answer 5

becomes stiffer, erodes

Question 6

What happens to the discs in our spine as we age?

Answer 6

lose water content and become flatter

Question 7

T/F: Motor units increase as we age.

Answer 7

true, d/t loss of motorneurons

Question 8

T/F: Reaction time and movement time increase as we age.

Answer 8

true

Question 9

T/F: Stressing repetitive movements would be a good motor learning strategy for older adults.

Answer 9

true, to reduce confusion/memory issues and cement the learning in their head

Question 10

What does the visual field of a person with glaucoma look like?

Answer 10

tunnel vision: lose peripherals until they progress to total blindness

Question 11

What does vision with cataracts look like?

Answer 11

cloudyness of lens resulting in central loss of vision, then peripheral
- issues with glare, general darkening of vision, loss of acuity/distortion

Question 12

What does vision with macular degeneration look like?

Answer 12

central loss, may progress to total blindness

Question 13

T/F: Diabetic retinopathy causes central vision impairments.

Answer 13

true

- full blindness is rare

Question 14

What medications can cause fuzzy vision?

Answer 14

antihistamines, tranquilizers, antidepressants, steroids

Question 15

What’s the difference between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss?

Answer 15

conductive = mechanical damage to external auditory canal, eardrum, or middle lear
- results in all-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus

sensorineural = hearing loss from noise damage, trauma, disease, drugs

Question 16

What happens to BPs when we age?

Answer 16

systolic and diastolic rise, S>D