Physiological Changes of Aging

Vocabulary flashcards covering the physiological changes associated with human aging across various body systems.

Aging

A universal process that begins at birth and is influenced by genetics, physical and social environments, as well as personal characteristics and behaviors.

Crystallized Intelligence

A component of cognitive processing that continues to develop with aging, often associated with wisdom.

Nervous System Changes in Aging

Loss of neurons and tissue atrophy in the brain and spinal cord, accumulation of waste products causing plaques and tangles, and slower neural impulse transmission and cognitive processing.

Auditory System Changes in Aging

Drier cerumen that is difficult to expel in the external ear; calcification of ossicles and stiffened tympanic membrane in the middle ear; reduced blood supply and loss of sensory hair cells and cochlear neurons in the inner ear.

Visual System Changes in Aging

Cornea opacification and yellowing, a stiffer, thicker, and more opaque lens, accompanied by declines in visual acuity, accommodation response, and light adaptation.

Gastrointestinal Changes in Aging

Diminished sense of taste and smell, loss of enamel and dentin, esophageal tissue stiffening, slowed peristalsis, decreased gastric motility, a smaller and more fibrous liver, diminished bile acid synthesis, widening of the common bile duct, and increased secretion of cholecystokinin.

Renal and Urinary Changes in Aging

Decreased GFR, decline in functioning nephrons and renal blood flow, tubules less efficient at conserving water and sodium, loss of urethral smooth muscle, relaxation of pelvic floor muscles, diminished sensation of bladder fullness/emptying, and a decreased sense of thirst.

Myocardial Changes in Aging

Slight heart enlargement and tissue atrophy, reduced responsiveness to sympathetic nervous system impulses, declining contractility, and a decreased number of pacemaker cells.

Vascular Changes in Aging

Arteries become more vulnerable to atherosclerotic changes and gain resistance from calcification of elastin fibers, while veins become more dilated and less elastic.

Respiratory Changes in Aging

Diminished cough and laryngeal reflexes, thickened nasopharyngeal mucous, chest wall stiffening, decreased elastic recoil of lung tissue, enlarged alveoli with thinner walls, decreased pulmonary capillary blood flow, and a thickened mucosal bed for gas exchange.

Bone Remodeling Changes in Aging

Increased bone resorption, diminished calcium absorption, and reduced osteoblastic production of bone matrix.

Musculoskeletal System Changes in Aging

Decreased muscle size and number of fibers, decline in motor neurons, thinning cartilage, and less viscous synovial fluid.

Integumentary System Changes in Aging

Reduced epidermal turnover and moisture content, dermal thinning, decreased blood flow, redistributed subcutaneous adipose tissue, fewer/less functional sweat and sebaceous glands, slower nail growth, and increased hair loss with altered distribution.

Sleep Pattern Changes in Aging

Declining sleep efficiency, increased duration in Stage I (lightest sleep), decreased duration of REM episodes, and alterations to the sleep-wake circadian rhythm.

Thermoregulation Impairments in Aging

Reduced responsiveness to cold (inefficient vasoconstriction, lower cardiac output, decreased subcutaneous tissue/muscle mass, diminished shivering) and heat (higher sweating threshold, diminished sweating response, diminished thirst, cardiac/renal changes, blunted febrile response).

Menopause

A physiological transition in aging women driven by diminished estrogen levels, leading to sexual organ atrophy and an increased risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

Andropause

A physiological transition in aging men driven by declining testosterone levels, leading to erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and reduced muscle tissue and strength.

Hematopoietic and Immune System Changes in Aging

Decreased bone marrow mass, reduced cell proliferation capacity (WBCs, RBCs, platelets) when needed, diminished lymphocyte function, and altered T cell function.

Successful Aging

A state characterized by low disease and disability, high physical and cognitive functioning, active engagement with life, psychological well-being, and emerging focus areas including resilience and cultural inclusiveness.