Physiological
Age related Change Functional Change Implications
Integumentary System
Loss of dermal and
epidermal thickness
Loss of subcutaneous tissue
and thin epidermis.
Prone to skin breakdown and
injury
Decr
...
Physiological
Age related Change Functional Change Implications
Integumentary System
Loss of dermal and
epidermal thickness
Loss of subcutaneous tissue
and thin epidermis.
Prone to skin breakdown and
injury
Decreased vascularity see • Atrophy of sweat glands
resulting in decreased
sweat production
• Decreased body odor
• Decreased heat loss
• Dryness
• Alteration in
thermoregulatory response
• Fluid requirements may
change seasonally
• Loss of skin water
• Increased risk of heat
stroke
Respiratory System
Decreased lung tissue
elasticity
Decreased vital capacity Reduced overall efficiency of
ventilatory exchange
Cilia atrophy Change in mucociliary
transport
Increased susceptibility to
infection
Decreased respiratory
muscle strength
• Reduced ability to handle
secretions and reduced
effectiveness against
noxious foreign particles
• Partial inflation of lungs
at rest
Increased risk of atelectasis
Cardiovascular System
Heart valves thicken and
become fibrotic
Reduced stroke volume,
cardiac output; may be
altered
Decreased responsiveness to
stress
Fibroelastic thickening of the
sinoatrial node; decreased
number of pacemaker cells
Slower heart rate Increased prevalence of
arrhythmias
Decreased baroreceptor
sensitivity (stretch
receptors)
Decreased sensitivity to
changes in blood pressure
Prone to loss of balance,
which increases the risk for
falls
GI
Liver becomes smaller Decreased storage capacity
Decreased muscle tone Altered motility Increases risk of constipation,
functional bowel syndrome,
esophageal spasm,
diverticular disease
Decreased basal metabolic
rate (rate at which fuel is
converted into energy)
May need fewer calories
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