Common Aging Changes

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to common aging changes across various body systems and mental functions, as discussed in the lecture notes.

Crystallized intelligence

Knowledge accumulated over a lifetime, arising from the dominant hemisphere of the brain.

Fluid intelligence

Involves new information emanating from the nondominant hemisphere; controls emotions, retention of nonintellectual information, creative capacities, spatial perceptions, and aesthetic appreciation.

Immunosenescence

The aging of the immune system.

Presbycusis

Progressive, irreversible hearing loss that occurs as a result of age-related changes to the inner ear.

Presbyesophagus

A condition characterized by a decreased intensity of propulsive waves and an increased frequency of nonpropulsive waves in the esophagus.

Presbyopia

The inability to focus or accommodate properly due to reduced elasticity of the lens that results from aging.

Cellular Changes (Aging)

Reduction in cell number, decreased lean body mass, increased total body fat, and reduced intracellular fluid.

Respiratory System Changes (Aging)

Calcification of costal cartilage, reduction of cough and laryngeal reflexes, increased residual capacity, and reduced vital capacity.

Gastrointestinal System Changes (Aging)

Less acute taste sensations, decreased esophageal motility (presbyesophagus), atrophy of small/large intestines, and slower peristalsis.

Urinary System Changes (Aging)

Decline of renal blood flow/glomerular filtration, reduced bladder capacity, decreased tubular function, and weakening of bladder muscles.

Male Reproductive System Changes (Aging)

Reduction in sperm count, prostate enlargement, and decreased intensity of orgasm/ejaculation.

Female Reproductive System Changes (Aging)

Atrophy of vulva, dried vaginal canal, estrogen depletion, and weakening of pelvic floor muscles.

Musculoskeletal System Changes (Aging)

Decreased height due to thinning discs/shortening vertebrae, reduced muscle mass/strength, decreased bone mineral/mass, increased fracture risk, and deterioration of joint cartilage.

Sarcopenia

Age-related reduction in muscle mass, strength, and movement.

Nervous System Changes (Aging)

Decline in brain weight, reduction in neurons/nerve fibers, slower response to balance, and changes in sleep patterns.

Sensory Organ Changes (General, Aging)

All senses (vision, hearing, taste, smell, touch) become less proficient with advanced age.

Vision Changes (Aging)

Presbyopia, narrowing of the visual field, reduced pupil size, distorted depth perception, declined visual acuity, and less efficient reabsorption of intraocular fluid.

Arcus senilis

Accumulation of lipid deposits in the cornea, appearing as a gray or white ring.

Hearing Changes (Aging)

Presbycusis, distortion of high-pitched sounds, increased cerumen in the ear canal, and alteration in equilibrium.

Taste and Smell Changes (Aging)

Decreased sense of smell and diminished taste acuity due to atrophy of the tongue and other factors.

Touch Sensation Changes (Aging)

Reduction of tactile sensation and reduced ability to sense pressure, discomfort, and temperature deviations.

Endocrine System Changes (Aging)

Decreased thyroid gland activity, delayed and insufficient insulin release, reduced ability to metabolize glucose, and decreased gonadal secretion.

Integumentary System Changes (Aging)

Skin becomes less elastic, dry, and fragile; decreased subcutaneous fat; thinning/graying hair; and reduced sweat gland activity.

Thermoregulation Changes (Aging)

Lowered normal body temperatures, reduced ability to respond to cold or heat, and increased risk for accidental hypothermia or heat stress.

Personality in Aging

Personality remains consistent in the absence of disease, but changes may be influenced by life events such as retirement or loss of a spouse.

Memory Types (Aging)

Short-term, episodic, semantic, and working memory are types of memory, with normal age-related forgetfulness potentially occurring.

Intelligence in Aging

Crystallized intelligence is maintained, while fluid intelligence may decline.

Learning Ability (Aging)

Learning ability is usually not changed, but it is best when new information relates to previously learned information.

Attention Span Changes (Aging)

Decrease in vigilance performance, greater distractibility from irrelevant information, and less ability to perform complicated or simultaneous tasks.