NCM 114

Senescence

All postmaturational changes and the increasing vulnerability individuals face as a result of these changes; leads to decreasing life expectancy with age.

Constipation

Abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of accumulated, often dry feces in the lower intestines; common in older adults due to inactivity and environmental changes.

Incontinence

Involuntary loss of urine; not a normal part of aging, but often occurs in response to weakened bladder tone or capacity.

Integumentary Changes

Thinning and fragility of the skin, decreased subcutaneous tissue, dryness, loss of elasticity, and appearance of wrinkles.

Cardiomyopathy

Disease of the heart muscle that can cause enlargement of the heart, sometimes mistaken as a normal aging change.

Senile Plaques

Abnormal clusters of protein fragments that build up in brain tissue, contributing to neurological decline in aging.

Nephrons and Glomeruli

Functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood; decrease in number with aging.

Bone Mass

The amount of mineralized bone tissue; decreases with aging, leading to weaker bones and higher risk of fractures.

Bladder Tone

The strength and elasticity of bladder muscles; decreases with aging, reducing bladder capacity.

Gray Matter vs. White Matter

Gray matter contains neuron cell bodies; white matter consists of myelinated axons. With aging, there is a shift in balance and a decrease in brain weight.

Skin Elasticity

The ability of the skin to stretch and return to normal; decreases with age, leading to wrinkles.

Periodontal Disease

Inflammation and infection of the gums and structures supporting the teeth; common in older adults due to poor dental care.

Swallowing Difficulties

Problems with chewing and swallowing food caused by dental loss and reduced saliva production.

Kidney Function

Decline in the kidney’s ability to filter waste and concentrate urine due to loss of nephrons and glomeruli.

Muscle Mass

The total amount of muscle tissue; decreases with aging, leading to reduced strength and mobility.

Calcium Loss

The gradual reduction of calcium in bones with aging, leading to bone shrinkage and fractures.

Brain Weight

Total mass of the brain; decreases with aging, contributing to memory decline and slower processing.

Cognitive Activities

Mental tasks that stimulate the brain such as puzzles, reading, or social engagement; recommended to slow age-related neurological decline.

Heart Enlargement

Increase in heart size with age; may be a normal change but can also indicate disease such as cardiomyopathy.

Blood Flow to the Cerebrum

Reduced circulation to the brain with aging, contributing to slower cognition and risk of neurological conditions.