The extent of the PHYSIOLOGIC CHANGES depends on the individual’s:
- Genetic make-up
- Lifestyle
- Health status
BODY SYSTEMS AFFECTED IN PHYSIOLOGIC CHANGES
- INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
- MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
- RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
- CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
- GASTRO-INTESTINAL SYSTEM
- GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM
- NERVOUS SYSTEM
- VISION AND THE EYES
- AUDITORY SYSTEM
- ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
CHANGES IN THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
The skin is often dry and appears wrinkled as elastic fibers are reduced and collagen fibers become less flexible. Obvious lesions include:
- Skin tags (small projections of skin) on the neck and axillary areas
- Keratosis (rough raised masses, often dark in color) over the body)
- Lentigenes or liver spots (dark flat macules), often on the hands and face
CHANGES IN THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
Some changes in the skin are related to _____, many are based on exposure to _____ and _____.
- Genetic factors
- Sun and Weather
CHANGES IN THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
The number of the sensory receptors in the skin and the mucosa decline. THIS RESULTS IN THE INCREASE OF:
- Susceptibility to injury
- Bruising occurs frequently
- The mucosal membrane become inflamed and ulcerated
CHANGES IN THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
- The strength of muscle contraction decreases, but this would depend on the activity level of the individual
- Flexibility is reduced as elastic fibers degenerate throughout the body
- Movements become slower, stiffness become evident and coordination and balance are reduced
MANAGEMENT FOR THE FOLLOWING INCLUDES:
- Regular moderate, low impact exercise such as swimming helps maintain mobility and flexibility by increasing the efficiency and activity of muscle and bone and by improving blood circulation to tissues
- Good nutrition- CHON, minerals and vitamins to maintain the integrity of the basic structures in older people
CHANGES IN THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
The important change in bone with aging is the loss of calcium and bone mass, which leads to:
Osteoporosis
CHANGES IN THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
This is effective in maximizing ventilation and circulation
Regular physical exercise
Breathing exercises and oxygen therapy may be helpful in those with respiratory pathologies and supporting physical activity
CHANGES IN THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
With aging, both the _____ and _____ become thin and fragile.
Skin and Mucous Membranes
The dermis is thinner and subcutaneous tissue is diminished
CHANGES IN THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
Loss of these leads to an increased susceptibility to skin breakdown and pressure-related ulcers because of the reduced cushion between the skin and the bone.
Muscles and Subcutaneous Tissue
There is also less insulation to retain heat in the body and less cushioning against falls or pressure.
CHANGES IN THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Expiration is (INCREASED/REDUCED) and residual volume is (DECREASED/INCREASED). The more restricted lung movements lead to decreased expansion for deep breathing and coughing.
REDUCED; INCREASED
- Weaker skeletal muscles also reduce cough effectiveness
- When the capability for initiating an effective cough is impaired, secretions tend to accumulate, and the risk for pneumonia increases
CHANGES IN THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
What results in the thickening of the arterial walls, thus limiting expansion of the large arteries and obstructing the lumina of smaller arteries, which would lead to arteriosclerosis and elevated blood pressure
Loss of elasticity and accumulation of collagen in the arterial walls
CHANGES IN THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
Often due to weakness in the spinal bones that causes them to compress or crack.
Kyphosis, height loss (1-4”)
Spontaneous vertebral fractures result in decreased height and Kyphosis with increased age.
CHANGES IN THE MUSCULOSKELETALKY SYSTEM
A drug which is an inhibitor of bone resorption
Biphosphonates
CHANGES IN THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
What nutrients/minerals/vitamins should be increased in intake for all age groups
Calcium and Vitamin D
CHANGES IN THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
In aging individuals, ventilation, both inspiration and expiration is limited for several reasons:
- Elasticity in the lung tissue is reduced
- The coastal cartilage between the ribs and the sternum calcifies, reducing rib movement
- Skeletal muscles atrophies and weakens
- Any skeletal change (e.g. rib shape) may reduce thoracic movement
CHANGES IN THE MUSCULOSKELETALKY SYSTEM
The articular cartilage becomes thin and erosion occur impairing joint movement and causing pain, particularly in the large weight-bearing joints such as knees and hips
Osteoarthritis
Degeneration of the cartilage in the joints
CHANGES IN THE GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM
It is the term given to changes that occur in women at around age 50, when the ovaries cease to respond to FSH and LH resulting in lack of ovulation, cessation of menstrual cycle and declining estrogen progesterone levels.
Menopause
CHANGES IN THE GASTRO-INTESTINAL SYSTEM
Occurs and is common because the amount of saliva is reduced
Xerostomia or dry mouth
Decreased saliva may be also result from use of certain drugs or from mouth-breathing associated with many respiratory problems.
CHANGES IN THE GASTRO-INTESTINAL SYSTEM
Absorption of Vitamin B12, calcium and iron may be impaired, increasing the risk of _____ and _____ but may be replaced by vitamin B12 injections plus more easily absorbed forms of calcium and iron
Anemia and Osteoporosis
CHANGES IN THE GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM
In males, decreased prostatic antibacterial factor, risk of:
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)
In postmenopausal women: estrogen loss; decreased pelvic area elasticity; gland and epithelial atrophy; alkaline vaginal pH
