Physiology of Aging Flashcards
What does the reduction in baroreceptors do to elderly?
increased postural hypotension
What does the reduction in thermoregulatory response do to elderly?
higher hypothermia, hyperthermia
What does the reduction of cardiac reserve do to elderly?
fluid overload
What does the reduction of thirst mechanism do to elderly?
dehydration
How is the immune system altered in the elderly?
thinner skin, cough reflex diminshes, achlorhydria, absence of fever
What is the most common early sign of aging?
difficulty staying up all night and working the next day
What is the most common age related eye problem that begins in 40s?
presbyopia
When do all adults have OA changes visible in radiographs of the cervical spine?
by age 40
Theory of aging where All cells bear specific “death” genes
programmed phenomena
Theory of aging where Cellular DNA and RNA error, accumulation of inappropriate proteins and enzymes, unable to support cellular metabolism
error theory
Theory of aging where there is failure of DNA repair
Repair failure
Theory of aging where as cell ages, supply of redundant genes exhausted
redundancy failure
Theory of aging where pituitary produces “killer” hormone, destroys cell function
the killer hormone theory
Age group that report greater happiness than adults in any younger age group
65-70
What happens hematologically as we age?
anemia of aging and decreased reserve of red cell mass
Average loss of height between 40-80 years
2-4 inches
When does weight peak in men and women before declining?
men-50s. women-60s
What happens to the connective tissue with age?
Increase in density, decrease in the water content of connective tissues and calcification of connective tissue
What happens to bones as we age?
Decreased bone mineral content causes changes – osteoporosis
What happens to muscle as we age?
Decrease in muscle mass due to reduction in number and size of muscle fibers
What happens to respiratory system with age?
decrease alveolar size, vital capacity, elastic recoil, expiratory flow
How much does cardiac output decrease per year between 25-70 years of age?
1%
What causes the decreased organ perfusion with age?
increased PVR and decreased CO
After age 40, what starts to decline in the kidney?
nephrons, GFR, Cr
Complications due to age related changes in stomach
atrophic gastritis and pernicious anemia
Neurotransmitter that decrease in basal ganglia resulting in slow reflexes/movt
dopamine
Ocular complications with aging
cataracts and macular degeneration
What results in decrease of dark vision with age?
decreased retinal rods
Leads to poor nutrition and weight loss in elderly
loss of taste and smell
