elderly Flashcards
how many people in the uk are over 65 year olds
> 10 million / 17.7%
which gender comprises the majority of the older population
woman
what % of older people have at least one chronic health problem
> 80%
on what level does ageing occur within the body
cellular level
how much of ageing is genetically determined
a third
what is mandatory ageing
occurs biologically in nature
process of irreversible decline of organs and cells
what is facultative ageing
caused by lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking, diet ect
can be haltered/reversed by regular exercise and adequate nutrition
name changes to the body that occurs due to ageing
loss of teeth
loss of appetitie
decreased/altered taste
decline in thirst sensitivity
reduced hearing
height decrease
name physiological changes in ageing
loss of muscle (3-6% decrease per decade)
what does a loss of muscle lead to
increased fat mass
slower reaction times
poorer strength
decreased flexibility
poorer balance
what are the 3 drivers of involuntary weight loss in this age range
wasting, cachexia, sarcopenia
explain wasting
involuntary weight loss primarily caused by inadequate dietary intake
explain cachexia
involuntary loss of free fat mass and/or body cell mass, caused by catabolism
explain sarcopenia
involuntary loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength
what % of fluid loss can be fatal to this age range
20%
