Aging Flashcards
What is the avg max human life span?
115 yrs
What is the absolute limit of human life span?
125 yrs
Aging rates & variability are due to:
- Genetics & environment
- Other disease & medical conditions
- Lifestyle
What accounts for 70% of all deaths in the U.S.?
Chronic diseases
Define: aging
- Deterioration in fxn of tissues & organs
- Deterioration in capacity of the body’s homeostatic control system to respond to environmental stresses
What are age-dependent changes?
Changes inevitable to age
- Distinct processes occur:
˚ Decrease # of cells
˚ Malfxn of cells that remain
What are age-related changes?
Changes that have greater incidence w/ age but are NOT inevitable
What is weight gain accompanied by?
- Body fat
- Decreased body mass
Weight changes seen in males
- 12% body fat at 17
- 28% at 60
Weight changes seen in females
- 25% body fat at 17
- 39% at 60
Changes in body composition
- Decrease in total body H2O due to:
1. Reduced proteins & lean body mass
2. Increased total body fat - Difficulty regulating body temp
- Impaired thirst
- Greater risk of dehydration
Musculoskeletal changes
- Reduced muscle mass (sarcopenia)
˚ Loss of Type II fibers* - Reduced muscle strength (Decreased aerobic capacity, cartilage strength, & tendon flexibility)
- Osteoarthritis in weight-bearing joints
- Decreased bone density
- Spinal curvature
- Degenerative joints
Cardio changes
- Slowed HR:
Takes longer to return to normal after exercise - Less efficient circulation:
Increased risk of blood clots - Decreased elasticity, decreased compliance & increased vascular stiffness:
Fatty build up = arteriosclerosis & increased systolic BP
What change in the respiratory system can increase risk of infection?
Intercostal musculature atrophy
Pulmonary changes
- Decreased lung capacity: Decreased elasticity & recoil - Decreased effectiveness: Increased risk of pneumonia - Decreased alveolar SA: Alveoli thicken, decreased perfusion & gas exchange
Skin changes
- Skin less elastic
- Oil glands secrete less
- Decreased moisture –> xerosis = most common sx among old
- Decreased vascular supply –> slower wound healing
- Prominent veins, easily bruised
Changes in hair & nails
- Nail growth slows & becomes brittle, ridge-like
- Transparent skin
- Decreased melanin –> hair turns gray
- Hirsutism in females
Most common presenting sx of UTI?
Change in mental status
Kidney changes
- Decreased renal mass –> Decreased # glomeruli, Increased glomerulosclerosis
- Decreased GRF: more difficulty metabolizing drugs
- Decreased ability to conserve Na+
- Decreased bladder capacity: Increased frequency of micturition
- No change in H20/electrolyte distribution or acid base status
GI changes
- Decreased saliva –> Increased periodontal disease
- Decreased taste
- Decreased peristalsis –> delay in food emptying, increased heartburn
- Decreased gastric acidity (predisposes to H. pylori)
- Decreased colonic motility –> increased constipation
- Gallbladder empties less efficiently –> increased gallstones
Repro changes in male
- Decreased testosterone
- Decreased testicular tissue
- Prostate hyperplasia –> urinary retention
Repro changes in female
- Decreased estrogen, progesterone
- Increased FSH & LH
- Menopause
- Breast atrophy
- Thinning vaginal walls
- Risk of bone loss
CNS changes
- Cerebral atrophy, decreased blood flow, reduced oxygenation –> mild forgetfulness
- Problems w/ balance/coordination
Vision changes
- Harder to see in dim light
- Distorted color
- Accommodation decreases –> presbyopia (can’t focus on near objects), non-accommodating = bifocals needed
- Decreased secretions –> dryness & itching
