What is normal aging? Changes in the various systems – Cardiac – Respiratory – Gastrointestinal – Musculoskeletal – Neurological – Sensory – Endocrine – Genitourinary/Reproductive – Integumentary

CARDIOVASCULAR CHANGES Changes in blood vessel walls, heart valves Decreased cardiac output Decreased peripheral circulation Increased systolic blood pressure Increased pulmonary vascular tension

RESPIRATORY CHANGES Decreased cough reflex Decreased cilia ( removal of airway irritants) Decreased vital capacity Fewer alveoli Increased chest wall rigidity/airway resistance

GASTROINTESTINAL CHANGES Decrease in saliva, gastric secretions, and pancreatic enzymes Smooth muscle changes -decreased esophageal peristalsis -decreased small intestinal motility Periodontal disease

MUSCULOSKELETAL Decreased muscle mass and strength Decalcification of bones Degenerative joint changes

NEUROLOGICAL CHANGES Degeneration of nerve cells Decrease in neurotransmitters Decrease in rate of conduction of impulses

SENSORY CHANGES EYE- accommodation to near/far; lens changes EARS-loss of acuity; tympanic membrane changes TASTE- often diminished with fewer taste buds SMELL-often diminished TOUCH- skin receptors -

ENDOCRINE CHANGES GENERAL-hormone production altered THYROID- decreased secretion THYMUS-involution of thymus gland CORTISOL- anti-inflammatory hormone PANCREAS- secretion of enzymes & hormones

GENITOURINARY/REPRODUCTIVE URINARY- fewer nephrons -decreased bladder capacity Male- enlarged prostate Female- reduced sphincter tone REPRODUCTIVE Male- sperm count diminishes - smaller testes Female- degeneration of female organs - decreased estrogen production

INTEGUMENTARY CHANGES Loss of skin elasticity Pigmentation changes Glandular atrophy Thinning hair Atrophy of epidermal arterioles