Body System Changes in Elderly

TEJAM, MD

AGE RELATED BODY SYSTEM CHANGES

  • Prepared by: Cristil Ann V Descalsota RN MN LPT

OVERVIEW OF AGING

  • Definition: Gradual, continuous natural change starting in early adulthood; bodily functions decline during early middle age.

DEFINITIONS OF AGING

  • Chronologic Age: Duration of existence

  • Biological Age: Age of Cells

  • Psychological Age: Age as perceived by feelings, behaviors, and actions.

NORMAL AGING

AGE RELATED BODY SYSTEM CHANGES

Aging Cells

  • Functionality decreases over time leading to cell death.

Aging Organs

  • Decline in one organ affects others (e.g., atherosclerosis reduces kidney blood flow).

Physical Changes

  • Graying/thinning hair, eyelid ectropion, thicker hair in ears/nose, elongated ears.

  • Darkening/wrinkling skin, arcus senilis, diminished muscle mass, and changes in gait and height.

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

Changes

  • Decreased muscle mass and tone, slower muscle response, decreased range of motion, and joint mobility.

  • Osteoporosis leads to thinning and softening of bones.

  • Increased risk of fractures and reduced elasticity in tendons and ligaments.

SENSORY ORGAN CHANGES

Vision

  • Opacification/yellowing of lens, presbyopia, and declining visual acuity.

  • Common disorders: cataracts, glaucoma.

Hearing

  • Age-related changes from noise exposure and medications, leading to presbycusis and tinnitus.

INTRA-ORAL CHANGES

Soft Tissue Changes

  • Lips may become dry and wrinkled; angular cheilitis may appear.

Tongue Changes

  • Loss of papillae, dryness, and nodular varicosities (caviar tongue).

DENTAL CHANGES

  • Staining, gum recession, and potential tooth loss.

NERVOUS SYSTEM CHANGES

  • Reduction in nerve cells, slower reflexes, and altered sleep patterns.

  • Brain structures may shrink significantly with age.

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM CHANGES

  • Decreased blood efficiency, heart elasticity, and increased risk of arrhythmias.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM CHANGES

  • Decreased respiratory activity, increased lung rigidity, and risk of respiratory infections.

GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM CHANGES

  • Tooth loss is not normal aging; decreased taste, saliva, and motility.

  • Increased risk of aspiration and constipation.

URINARY SYSTEM CHANGES

  • Decreased kidney mass and blood flow, increased risk for complications, and enlarged prostate in males.

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM CHANGES

Female

  • Estrogen levels drop; vaginal atrophy and reduced lubrication.

Male

  • Decreased testosterone, prostate enlargement, and sperm count.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM CHANGES

  • Hormonal production decreases, leading to altered metabolism and glucose tolerance.

IMMUNE SYSTEM CHANGES

  • Depressed responses lead to increased infection risk and slower recovery from illness.

NURSING ACTIONS FOR AGE-RELATED CHANGES

  • Encourage hydration and nutrition; emphasize physical activity to prevent falls and maintain health.

  • Provide safety measures and monitor critical signs to adapt care to aging physiology.