AGE RELATED PROBLEMS
Introduction
·
Ageing
has been defined as a universal internally predictable biologic process
following maturity.
·
It
is characterized by changes accumulated over time that increase susceptibility
to disease and ultimately lead to death.
·
Physiologically
aging in the absence of disease involves a steady decline in the functional
reserve of organ system and homeostatic controls, especially when a person is
under stress.
Physiological changes
of ageing
|
System
|
Changes that occur during ageing
|
|
Cardiovascular
|
·
Decreased
vessel elasticity due to calcification.
·
Decreased
number of heart muscle fibers with increased size
·
Decreased
filling capacity, stroke volume,
sensitivity of baroreceptors
·
Degeneration
of vein valves
|
|
Respiratory
|
·
Decreased
chest wall compliance due to calcification of the costal cartilage
·
Decreased
alveolar ventilation
·
Decreased
respiratory muscle strength and air trapping
·
Decreased
ventilation due to degeneration of lung tissue.
|
|
Renal and urinary
|
·
Decreased
Glomerular filtration rate due to nephron degeneration.
·
Decreased
ability to concentrate urine and regulate hydrogen ions.
|
|
Gastro-intestinal
|
·
Decreased
muscular contractions
·
Decreased
esophageal emptying
·
Decreased
bowel mobility
·
Decreased
production of hydrochloric acid, enzymes and intrinsic factor.
|
|
Neurological and
sensory
|
·
Degeneration
and atrophy of nerve cells
·
Decrease
of 25% to 45% of neurons.
·
Decrease
in neurotransmitters.
·
Decrease
rate of conduction of nerve impulses
·
Loss
of auditory function.
|
|
Musculoskeletal
|
·
Decreased
muscle mass, bone demineralization
·
joint
degeneration
·
Erosion
and calcification.
|
|
Immune system
|
·
Decreased
inflammatory response.
|
|
Integumentary
|
·
Decreased
subcutaneous fat causing altered temperature regulation
|
|
Neurological
/behavioral
|
·
Parkinsonism,
essential tremor, Alzheimer's disease or dementia, depression, anxiety,
psychosis or paranoid state, sleep disturbance.
|
Structural and
functional changes and common health problems in older adults
Cardiovascular
·
Hypotension,
IHD, heart failure, cardiac dysrhythmia, valvular heart disease, peripheral
vascular disease, varicose veins,
·
Dehydration,
stroke/Transient ischemic attack.
·
Peripheral
vascular disease, stroke, varicose veins.
Respiratory
·
Pneumonia,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dyspnea.
Gastrointestinal
·
Constipation,
diarrhea, Gastro-esophageal reflux, fecal incontinence, colorectal cancer,
rectal prolapse, dysphagia, anorexia, gallbladder disease.
Genitourinary
·
Renal
insufficiency, urinary incontinence, UTI, enlarged prostate, sexual dysfunction
Endocrine/metabolic
·
DM,
hypo or hyperthyroidism,
·
Thyroid
cancer, Hypercalcemia or Hypocalcemia, hyperlipidemia, hypokalemia,
hyponatremia, gout.
Musculoskeletal
·
Osteoporosis,
Osteomalacia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondylosis, fractures,
foot pathology, gait disturbance, falls.
Autonomic nervous
system
·
Falls,
accidental injuries, orthostatic hypotension, impaired body temperature
regulation.
Hematologic and
immune
·
Iron
deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, autoimmune diseases.
Oral
·
Periodontal
disease, problems with speech, chewing and swallowing.
Sensory
·
Visual
impairment, hearing impairment, diminished smell or taste.
Dermatologic
·
Pressure
sores, basal cell and squamous carcinoma, pruritus, hypothermia or
hyperthermia.
Reproductive
·
Female-Cervical
cancer, breast cancer.
·
Male-Prostate
cancer, impotence.
Management
·
Regular
medical check up
·
Screening
for cardiac problems
·
Exercise
·
Diet
modification and prompt treatment of the underlying cause
·
Use
of seat belt o Smoking cessation programs
·
Diet
low in fat, high in fiber
·
Regular
weight bearing exercise
·
Weight
control.
·
Limiting
alcohol intake and promote regular dental care
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