psych 216- ch3 physical changes with aging.

Why Do We Age? Theories of Aging

1. Programmed Theories – Aging is biologically pre-determined by genetic programming.

   • Hayflick Limit: Cells divide a limited number of times before dying.

   • Telomere Shortening: Shortened telomeres contribute to aging and age-related diseases.

2. Cellular Theories – Aging is due to the accumulation of cellular damage.

3. Error Theories – Aging occurs due to environmental damage (e.g., free radicals, wear and tear)

primary aging

Natural, gradual decline in bodily functions (e.g., vision loss, slowed movement).

secondary aging

• Due to lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise). Preventable through better habits and modern medicine.

 

Intrinsic Aging (Natural Aging):

• Skin becomes pale, thin, dry, and less elastic due to reduced collagen and elastin.

• More pronounced in women (especially after menopause) due to estrogen deficiency.

• HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) may help but has potential risks (e.g., breast cancer, cardiovascular issues).

extrinsic aging

• Caused by UV exposure, smoking, diet, and exercise.

• Preventable through sunscreen (SPF 15+), limited UV exposure, and healthy lifestyle choices.

• Skin cancer is the most common but also one of the most preventable cancers.

Presbyopia:

Loss of lens elasticity, leading to difficulty reading small print (onset around 40).

pupil and light sensitivity and lens yellowing

• Smaller pupil size and reduced ability to adjust to lighting changes make it harder to see in dim light and increase glare sensitivity.

  Reduces contrast and color perception.

age related eye diseases

• Macular Degeneration (AMD): Leading cause of vision loss in older adults; affects central vision.

  • Types: Wet AMD (more severe) and Dry AMD (no cure).

• Cataracts: Clouding of the eye lens, leading to vision loss.

  • Treatment: Cataract surgery is common and effective, often improving vision and quality of life.

hearing as you age

• Conductive: Due to outer/middle ear damage.

• Sensorineural: Due to cochlea or auditory nerve damage (90% of cases).

• Presbycusis: Age-related hearing loss, primarily affecting high-frequency sounds, occurring earlier and more severely in men.

• Causes of Presbycusis:

  • Noise exposure (e.g., traffic, loud music, machinery).

  • Genetics (GRM7 gene).

  • Health conditions (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity).

• Hearing Loss Prevalence:

  • 54% of Canadians (40–79 years old) have mild hearing loss.

  • More common in men (63%) than women (46%).

  • 93% of those aged 70-79 have some hearing loss.

• Effects of Hearing Loss:

  • Difficulty understanding speech (especially high-frequency consonants).

  • Increased risk of dementia, depression, isolation, and lower quality of life

cardiovascular health as you age

•  Heart disease is a leading cause of death and hospitalization in Canada, with men more likely to develop heart disease earlier than women.

• Risk Factors:

  • Modifiable: Hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes (Type 2), physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol use.

  • Unmodifiable: Family history, ethnicity, gender, age, diabetes (Type 1), socioeconomic status.

• Stroke: A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) caused by a blocked or ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Symptoms include sudden numbness, speech difficulty, vision loss, headache, and balance issues. Immediate medical attention is required.

• Death Rate Trends: Over the past 60 years, death rates from cardiovascular disease and stroke have declined by over 75% due to improved diagnosis, treatment, and healthier lifestyles.

digestive system with age

•  Includes a slower metabolism, weight gain, constipation, and higher susceptibility to conditions like diverticulitis.

• Diverticulitis: The formation of small pouches in the colon lining, which may cause pain, fever, and abdominal discomfort if inflamed.

• Other Digestive Changes: Reduced tolerance for coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods; increased heartburn, indigestion, and gas.

• Preventative Measures:

  • Eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

  • Staying hydrated with plenty of water.

  • Engaging in regular physical activity (walking, biking, swimming).

  • Practicing moderation in food and drink consumption.

major components in immune system

• Innate is fast and general but doesn’t remember the germs.

• Adaptive takes longer but is more specific and remembers past infections, helping protect you from getting sick with the same germ again.

age realted immune system

• Increased susceptibility to infectious diseases

• Higher risk of vaccine failure, autoimmunity, and cancer

• Older adults (85+) more likely to be hospitalized due to flu

• COVID-19 had a severe impact on older adults due to weakened immunity, underlying conditions, and congregate living settings

• Hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections like Clostridium difficile and MRSA are more common in older patients

• Boosting Immunity in Older Adults:

  • No proven direct links between lifestyle and improved immune function

  • Healthy lifestyle choices (exercise, diet, weight management, no smoking, limited alcohol, adequate sleep, blood pressure control, regular medical screenings) support overall health

muscle stength and mass

• Sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) begins in the 40s; up to 50% loss by the 80s.

• Height & Weight: Height decreases; weight gain occurs until midlife, followed by weight loss.

osteoporisis

•  11.9% of Canadians aged 40+ (2015–2016). More common in women.

• Prevention: Calcium (1000-1200 mg/day) and Vitamin D (600-800 IU/day), weight-bearing exercises

womens reporoductive systems

 (Menopause): Estrogen/progesterone decline; symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness.

male reproductive system changes

 (Andropause): Gradual testosterone decline; may lead to bone weakening, lower libido, and testicular shrinkage

urinary system changed

• Kidney Function: With age, kidneys shrink and their blood flow decreases, which reduces their ability to filter waste and balance salt and acid levels.

• Bladder Function: Bladder elasticity decreases, and bladder muscles weaken, leading to more frequent urination and the inability to fully empty the bladder.

• Incontinence: (involuntary leakage of urine) Older adults may experience urinary incontinence, more common in women. It can be stress, urge, overflow, or mixed urinary incontinence.

• Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH): In men, an enlarged prostate can block urine flow.

• Treatments for Incontinence: Available treatments include behavioral changes, medications, mechanical devices, and surgeries.

sleep changes

• Sleep Duration: Older adults need less sleep (5-7 hours) compared to younger adults (6.5-8.5 hours).

• Sleep Quality: Older adults tend to spend more time awake at night and have less REM sleep, but they may report fewer sleep disturbances subjectively.

• Insomnia: Prevalence increases with age; almost 50% of people aged 65+ are affected.

• Improving Sleep: Tips include limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, avoiding large meals before bed, engaging in regular exercise, ensuring a comfortable sleep environment, and maintaining a consistent sleep routine.