Physiology of Aging Flashcards
The most common early sign of aging is:
difficulty staying up all night and working the next day
Most common age-related eye problem in 40’s
Presbyopia
Age group that reports greater happiness than adults in any younger age group
men and women aged 65-70
Hematologic system Changes
After age 65, RBC, Hgb, Hct decrease slightly
WBC’s increase in lobulation and decrease in granulation
impairment of phagocytic activity
Total lymphocyte unchanged, subsets change
ESR increases slightly
Physiologic anemia of aging
Decreased reserve of red cell mass
CV system Changes
Decreased organ perfusion (Increased PVR and decreased CO)
Age 80, blood flow reduced by 50% in the kidneys 20% in cerebral hemisphere
Increased peripheral resistance + decreased vascular compliance= increased systolic BP
Gastric Changes
Age-related changes in stomach lead to atrophic gastritis and pernicious anemia.
Gastric secretions reduced (achlorhydria).
Unable to absorb B-12
Hearing sounds that go first
High pitched sounds
Laboratory Value Changes
ESR increases Creatinine Clearance decreases Blood Glucose rises Cholesterol rises Albumin falls T3 falls
Disengagement theory
Voluntary cutting back on work, social and even family ties.
Becomes more satisfied with vicarious activities and especially with reminiscence.
Comes to terms with and accepts past failures
Activity theory
Staying as active as possible
Continued professional or volunteer work
Social activities, family , hobbies
Continuity theory
Successful psychologic adaptation to aging involves allowing personal preferences from earlier years to manifest themselves as the individual responds to the stress and challenges of older age.
