Lecture Notes on Physiologic Changes of Aging

Prepared By: Mark Fredderick R Abejo R.N, MAN

Clinical Instructor

Physiologic Changes of Aging

System
Integumentary

Head and Neck

Thorax and Lungs

Heart and Vascular

Breasts

GI and Abdomen

Reproductive
Urinary
Musculoskeletal

Neurological

Alteration
Loss of moisture and elasticity
Thinning of epithelial layer
Spots and lesions may develop
Facial features more prominent
Declining visual acuity (Presbyopia, ability to see in
dark and adapt to abrupt changes, ambient light
needed)
Subtle auditory changes (Presbycusis)
Decreased sense of smell
Decreased salivary secretions
Change in configuration of thorax ( AP diameter)
respiratory muscle strength
Chest wall stiffens
lung expansion
myocardial contraction strength ( cardiac output)
pulse rate
systolic or diastolic blood pressures may be abnormally
high (not a normal result of aging, common chronic
conditions contribute)
Weaker peripheral pulses
Smaller due to decreased muscle mass, tone and
elasticity
Sag
fatty tissue in the trunk abdomen in size
muscle tone protuberant abdomen
slowing of peristalsis and alteration in secretions
change in structure and function due to hormonal
alterations
BPH
Incontinence (especially stress)
size of muscle fiber (decline in muscle mass)
diminishing muscle strength
declining bone mass
sense of balance
uncoordinated motor responses
alterations in quality and quantity of sleep
declining number of neurons (begins in second decade