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Geriatrics > Physiology of Aging > Flashcards

Physiology of Aging Flashcards

(53 cards)

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1
Q

Define Aging

A

Gradual loss in reserve capacity of organs and organ systems leading to functional impairment & ultimately to death

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2
Q

Define Homeostasis

A

Maintaining of the stability of the internal environment

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3
Q

Common Reduced Homeostatic Responses in the Elderly

A 
Baroreceptor responsiveness
Thermoregulatory responses
Cardiac reserve
Thirst
Dark adaptation
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4
Q

What does a reduced baroreceptor responsiveness lead to?

A

Increased postural hypotension

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5
Q

What does a reduced thermoregulatory response lead to?

A

Higher hypothermia, hyperthermia

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6
Q

What does a reduced cardiac reserve lead to?

A

Fluid overload

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7
Q

What does reduced thirst lead to?

A

Dehydration

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8
Q

What does a reduced dark adaptation lead to?

A

Night driving hazards

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9
Q

Host Defense Against Infection

A 
Skin, mucous membranes
Mucociliary defenses
Gastric
BPH
Absence of fever
PMN's altered, t-cells altered
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10
Q

Most Common Early Sign of Aging

A

Difficulty staying up all night & working the next day

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11
Q

Early Signs of Aging in the 30’s

A 
Easier weight gain
Graying hair, thinning hair
Wrinkling forehead & eyes
Concern about biologic clock, financial security, family obligations
Injuries "weekend warrior"
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12
Q

Signs of Aging in the 40s

A

Reflection on mortality, life’s limitations, unreached dreams & goals
Skin changes
Vision Changes
Osteoarthritis

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13
Q

Skin Changes in the 40’s

A 
Sagging
Wrinkling
Thinning
Benign & malignant issues
Sweat glands
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14
Q

Vision Changes in the 40’s

A

Presbyopia

Require reading glasses

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15
Q

Signs of Aging in the 50’s & Early 60’s

A 
Sense of aging
Menopause
Becoming a grandparent
Death of parents, friends
Oldest at work
Physical limitations, medical problems
Senior citizen discounts
AARP membership
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16
Q

Signs of Aging in the 70’s & 80’s

A

1+ chronic disabling condition
Arthritis, HTN, hearing loss, heart conditions, visual problems, bone problems
Psychologic & social losses

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17
Q

Psychologic & Social Losses in the 70’s & 80’s

A

Retirement
Death of spouse or close family member
Children moving away
Friends dying or moving
Moving into apartment or retirement living
Inability to socialize from sensory or physical impairments

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18
Q

Aging & the Rule of Thirds

A

1/3 disease
1/3 inactivity
1/3 aging itself

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19
Q

Theories of Aging

A 
Programmed phenomena
Error theory
Repair theory
Redundancy failure
Killer hormone theory
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20
Q

Describe the Programmed Phenomena

A

All cells bear specific “death” genes

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21
Q

Describe the Error Theory

A

Cellular DNA & RNA error
Accumulation of inappropriate proteins & enzymes
Unable to support cellular metabolism

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22
Q

Describe Repair Failure Theory

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A

Failure of DNA repair

23
Q

Describe Redundancy Failure

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A

As cell ages, supply of redundant genes exhausted

24
Q

Describe Killer Hormone Theory

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A

Pituitary produces “killer” hormone destroying cell function

25
Advantages of Adaptation to Disability & to Role Losses
Greater independence Fewer responsibilities Reduces concern about day to day inconveniences Financial security: SS, retirement programs
26
Hematologic Aging Changes
``` Slight decrease in RBC, Hgb, Hct WBCs increase in lobulation & decrease in granulation Changes in subsets of lymphocytes ESR increases slightly Physiologic anemia of aging Decreased reserve of RBCs ```
27
Musculoskeletal Changes in Aging
Height: lose 2-4" Weight: men peaks in 50s & women in 60s Increase in density, decrease in the water content of connective tissues Calcification of connective tissue Decreased bone mineral content Decrease in muscle mass
28
Results of a Decrease in the Water Content of Connective Tissues
Loss of skin elasticity | Joint stiffness
29
Result of Calcification of Connective Tissue
Atherosclerotic changes | DJD
30
Bone Loss in Women Due to
Decreased estrogen production | Vitamin D absorption declines
31
Skin Changes with Aging
``` Decreased tone & elasticity Decline in subQ adipose tissue Yellowing of nails, rigid nails Hair loss after 30 in men Decrease in pigment ```
32
Respiratory Changes with Aging
Decrease in alveolar size Vital capacity decreases progressively Elastic recoil decreases due to changes in collagen Forced residual capacity increases Reduce expiratory flow velocities All timed pulmonary functions decrease with age
33
CV Changes with Aging
``` Increased collagen in vascular smooth muscle Decreased elastic tissue Cardiac output decreases Slight reduction in resting heart rate Decreased organ perfusion Increased peripheral resistance Decreased vascular compliance Increased systolic BP ```
34
Renal Changes with Aging
``` Decrease in nephron units GFR & CrCl decline Peak bladder capacity reduced Residual urine increases Blood flow best at night Prostate gland doubles in size ```
35
Why the decrease in nephron units?
Kidney loses mass Renal blood vessels thicken, lose elasticity Medullary connective tissue increases, replaces interstitial cells Loss of juxtamedullary glomeruli
36
Alimentary Canal Changes with Aging
Loss of teeth occurs secondary to bone & connective tissue changes Periodontal disease Poor nutritional status Lack of dental care & poor hygiene contributes LES fails to relax with peristaltic waves Atrophic gastritis & pernicious anemia Gastric secretions reduced (Achlorhydria)
37
Colon Changes with Aging
Decreased motor function Depression of defecation reflex Decreased colonic muscle tone Decreased perfusion of GI tract secondary to vascular changes
38
Pancreatic Changes with Aging
Decrease in pancreatic lipase activity | Increased incidence of cholelithiasis
39
Aging Changes in Men
Increase fibrous tissue of interlobular spaces of testes Thickening of the basement membrane around the seminiferous tubules Sperm production decreases
40
Parathyroid Hormones & Changes in Aging
Levels decrease in women at 40 and men at 60
41
Changes in Miscellaneous Organ Systems with Aging
Decreased cerebral blood flow Decreased vibratory sensation Decreased hand grip, strength, coordination, writing
42
Changes within the Brain with Aging
Reduction in cerebral hemisphere mass Decreased neurotransmitters Delay in monosynaptic reflex arc Motor time increases with aging
43
Sleep Complaints in the Elderly
Altered sleep patterns More time in bed, less time sleeping Frequent night time urination Arthritic pain
44
Difference Between Memory Loss & Alzheimer's Disease
Memory: worry about memory loss | Alzheimer's: unaware of any mental impairment
45
Special Senses Changes with Aging
Cataracts Macular degeneration Decrease in visual receptors Presbyopia Decreased number of retinal rods, dark vision Decreased hearing Decreased vestibular function Decreased number of tongue papillae & taste buds Olfaction declines leading to poor nutrition Weight loss
46
Psychological Aspects of Aging
``` Role changes: retirement Coping with medical illness Loss of spouse Friends dying Children are adults & far away or occupied with their own families ```
47
Laboratory Value Changes
``` ESR increases CrCl decreases Blood glucose rises Cholesterol risses Albumin falls T3 falls ```
48
Define Healthy Aging
Adaptation to the changes associated with the aging process that is acceptable to the individuals
49
3 Factors with Healthy Aging
Low probability of disease & disability Higher cognitive & physical functioning Active engagement in life
50
Define Disengagement Theory
Voluntary cutting back on work, social, & family ties More satisfied with vicarious activities & reminiscing Comes to terms with & accepts past failures
51
Describe the Prototypical Disengaged Person
Well known Loved by neighbors Happily spends all day rocking on the front porch
52
Define Activity Theory
Staying as active as possible Continued professional or volunteer work Social activities, family, hobbies
53
Define Continuity Theory
Allowing personal preferences from earlier years to manifest themselves as the individuals responds to the stress & challenges of older age

Geriatrics (15 decks)

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