Developmental changes
o Review Kennedy readings for age related changes
Physiological
Age related Change Functional Change Implications
Integumentary System
Loss of dermal and epidermal thickness Loss of subcuta
...
Developmental changes
o Review Kennedy readings for age related changes
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
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