Geriatrics: Key Concepts & Aging Physiology — Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering aging processes, geriatric physiology, common conditions, pharmacology considerations, and cardio-pulmonary changes from the lecture notes.

Baby boomers

Hit age 65 starting in 2011; their aging contributes to the growing elderly population.

Hip fracture risk by age 90

Approximately 16% of males experience a hip fracture by age 90; females have higher risk, >40% by age 70 due to falls or hip fracture.

Accidents as cause of death in elderly

Fifth leading cause of death in persons over 65 (CDC).

Life expectancy

Average expected years of life; in 2000 it was 76.9 years; gender gap about 5.4 years.

Cardiovascular disease

1 cause of death in older adults.

Cancer (malignancy)

2 leading cause of death in older adults.

CVA (stroke)

Cerebrovascular accident; #3 leading cause of death in older adults.

Lower respiratory disease

4 leading cause of death in older adults.

Accidents (leading to death)

5 leading cause of death in older adults.

Diabetes mellitus (DM)

6 leading cause of death in older adults.

Aged 65-74 without significant problems

About 90% have no significant problems or deficits.

Aged >85 without significant problems

About 50% have no significant problems or deficits.

Falls in older adults

About 30% of those over 65 fall each year; 10–15% of falls cause significant injury.

Age-related muscle strength loss

Approximately 30% loss of strength between ages 20–70; 35–45% loss over a lifetime.

Range of motion (ROM) decreases with age

Decreased muscle length with age leads to reduced ROM.

Motor unit loss

Loss of neurons and the muscle fibers they innervate; fewer motor units.

Bone mass decline after 30–35

Mass decreases about 0.75–1.0% per year; peak mass in adolescence; decline continues into later decades.

Wolff's Law

Bone adapts to mechanical loads; activity and loading influence bone density.

Risk factors for bone loss

Smoking, caffeine, alcohol; sedentary lifestyle; endocrine state; dietary deficiencies.

Osteoporosis

Decreased bone mineral density with higher fracture risk; weaker bones.

Bone mineral density (BMD)

Measurement of bone density; decreases with aging and contributes to osteoporosis.

Periarticular connective tissue aging

Ligaments, tendons, fascia, skin, and joint capsule become stiffer; ROM reduces; arthrokinematics altered; posture changes.

Articular cartilage aging

Decreased ability to dissipate forces; loss of elasticity; reduced water content; cracks; altered collagen organization.

Resistance training and aging

Resistance training can prevent/slow aging-related muscle loss and weakness.

Endurance training and aging

Endurance training improves endurance and counters aging-related muscle changes.

Brain aging

Age-related changes in brain size, neuron number, blood flow, and neurotransmitter function.

Neuroperformance changes

Cognitive, visual, auditory, taste/smell, vestibular/balance, and sensory performance can decline with aging.

Polypharmacy

Use of multiple medications; common in elderly.

Pharmacokinetics in aging

Age-related changes in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs.

Pharmacodynamics in aging

Altered drug effects at receptors; changes in sensitivity.

Adverse drug reactions in elderly

Sedation, confusion, depression, orthostatic hypotension, fatigue/weakness, dizziness, anticholinergic effects, extrapyramidal effects.

Orthostatic hypotension

Drop in blood pressure on standing; more common with aging and immobility.

Thrombus formation with immobility

Increased risk of blood clots due to reduced mobility.

Decreased lung movement with immobility

Reduced chest-wall motion and lower oxygen saturation; increased secretions.

GI immobility effects

Increased risk of malnutrition and constipation.

Urinary immobility effects

Increased urinary retention and kidney stones.

VO2

Oxygen consumption; reflects delivery and utilization.

Cardiac output (Q)

Heart rate × stroke volume.

Stroke volume (SV)

Volume of blood ejected with each heartbeat.

End-diastolic volume (EDV)

Volume of blood in ventricle at end of diastole.

Myocardial contractility

Strength of heart muscle contraction.

Myocardial perfusion

Blood flow to heart muscle.

Peripheral vascular resistance (PVR)

Resistance to blood flow in peripheral arteries.

VO2 max and aging

Maximal oxygen uptake declines with age.

Resting ECG changes with aging

QRS shifts and ST depression on resting ECG.

Vital Capacity (VC)

Maximum amount of air exhaled after deep inhalation; declines with age (example values: >65 female ~2.6 L, male ~3.8 L; 25 y values ~3.4 L female, ~5.1 L male).

Residual Volume (RV)

Air remaining in the lungs after maximal exhalation; increases with age.

Changes in lung volumes with aging

Overall 23–25% decline in volumes; increase in RV to compensate.

Ventilatory response to submaximal exercise

With aging, minute ventilation, CO2 production, respiratory exchange ratio, blood lactate, and ventilatory equivalent for O2 all tend to rise.

Effects of exercise training on ventilatory function

Exercise training increases minute ventilation, CO2 production, respiratory exchange ratio, and blood lactate.