Common Changes in the Body Systems that Occur with Aging

Individuals usually learn to adapt and cope with these changes.

Physical Changes

• Most occur gradually• Disease can increase the speed of the changes• Lifestyle, nutrition, economic status, and social

environment also effects the speed of changes• Changes occur in all body systems

Integumentary System Changes

• Production of new skin cells decrease

• Sebaceous (oil) and Sudoriferous (sweat) glands become less active

• Circulation to skin decreases

• Hair loses color and falls out

These changes result in:

• Dry and less elastic skin and itching

• Dark yellow or brown spots appear on skin

• Lines and wrinkles develop

• Nails become thick and brittle

• Elderly persons frequently feel cold due to increased sensitivity to temperature changes

Things to do to help

• Use mild soap, bath oils or lanolin lotion• Limit baths or showers to 2 or 3 times a week with

partial baths on other days• Shampoo only as needed for cleanliness• Care for sores or injuries immediately • Socks, sweaters, lap blankets, and layers of

clothing help with coldness• Proper diet, exercise, and little sun exposure are

important also.

Musculoskeletal System Changes

• Muscles lose tone, volume, and strength• Bones become brittle and break

more easily (osteoporosis)• Joints become stiff, less flexible,

and painful (arthritis)• Vertebra compress

(get closer together)

These changes result in:

• Gradual decrease in height

• Less mobility

• Weakness

• Slower movements

• Balance is off resulting in falls

• Fine finger movements are difficult to do

Things to do to help

• EXERCISE maintains muscle tone, keeps joints more flexible, maintains muscle strength

• Protein, calcium, and vitamin rich diets slow mineral loss

• Provide safer environment: grab bars, hand rails, non-slip and flat shoes, ambulation devices (canes or walkers)

• Self-stick fasteners on clothing

Respiratory System Changes

• Breathing muscles become weaker

• Rib cage becomes more rigid• Alveoli become thinner and less

elastic• Bronchial tubes lose elasticity• Larynx changes leave weaker

voice that may be higher pitched

These changes result in:

• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)

• More rapid breathing (tachypnea)

• Difficulty coughing up secretions from lungs

• More susceptible to colds and pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses

Things to do to help• Rest more often during periods of

activity• Good body alignment and positioning

may ease breathing• May need head of bed elevated or use

more pillows to keep head elevated when in bed

• Avoid polluted air environment • Deep breathing and coughing helps

clear lung passages• Use oxygen if needed

Circulatory System Changes• Heart muscles cannot beat as forcibly to push

blood into arteries so cardiac output decreases

• Blood vessels narrow and are less elastic

• Blood flow to brain and other vital organs may decrease

• Blood pressure may increase

These changes result in:

Dizziness Numbness

Weakness Tachycardia

Any of these may happen when exercise, excitement, or stress requires more blood flow to vital organs to provide enough oxygen during these special times.

Things to do to help:

• Avoid overexertion or strenuous activities

• Rest for short intervals during the day

• Moderate exercise and support stockings stimulate circulation and reduces blood clots.

• Range-of-motion exercises are good if person is confined to bed

• Diet low in sodium and fat may help keep blood pressure in control

Nervous System Changes

• Decrease blood flow to brain

• Sense of smell, taste, vision, and hearing decreases

• Nerve endings less sensitive to pain and other stimuli

These changes result in:• Memory loss especially in short-term• Difficulty reading small print or

seeing things at a distance• Decrease in night vision and side vision• More prone to have cataracts or glaucoma• Hearing loss and thus speak louder• Food may seem tasteless• Less sensitive to smell of gas, • chemicals, and other dangerous odors• More susceptible to burns, frostbite, cuts, fractures,

and other injuries

Things to do to help• Give elderly time to think and respond• Stay involved in current events and other memory

stimulating activities, ex-crossword puzzles, games, etc.• Proper eye care, lighting, and prescription glasses/lenses• Hearing aids, speak slowly and clearly, eliminate

background noises• Attractive foods to stimulate appetite• Smoke and chemical detectors• Extreme care when handling

hot or cold items

Digestive System Changes

• Fewer digestive juices and enzymes are produced. Less saliva and slower gag reflex

• Muscle action is decreased thus slowing peristalsis

• Teeth are lost

• Liver function decreases

These changes result in:

• Difficulty swallowing • Difficulty chewing• Indigestion• Constipation• More gas• Poor appetite

Things to do to help

• Good oral hygiene• Replace or repair bad teeth• Relaxing atmosphere for

eating• Avoid dry, fried, and fatty

foods

• Eat more high fiber and high protein foods

• Avoid excessive seasonings

• Increase fluid intake

Urinary System Changes

• Kidneys decrease in size and are less efficient

• Loss of ability to concentrate urine causing a loss of electrolytes and fluids

• Bladder retains urine because doesn’t empty completely

These changes result in:

• Need to urinate more often including at night which interrupts sleep (nocturia)

• More bladder infections

• Prostate enlargement in males

• Incontinence

•Got to go! •Got to go!Got to go!!

Things to do to help

• Encourage to increase fluid intake, but limit intake in evening

• Regular trips to bathroom with easy to remove clothing helps with incontinence

• Bladder training• Foley catheter if all urinary

control is lost

Reproductive System Changes

• Decrease of estrogen and progesterone in females

• Breasts sag when fat is redistributed

• Decrease of testosterone in

males

These changes result in:

• Vaginal infections are more common

• Weakness in supporting tissues

• Sexual desire may or may not diminish

Things to do to help:• Respect privacy of married couples in long term

care facilities to allow them to meet their sexual needs

• Good hygiene

• Treat vaginal infections

Endocrine System Changes

• Increase in some hormones such as TSH

• Decrease in other hormones such as thyroxin, estrogen, progesterone, and insulin

These changes result in:

• Immune system is less effective

• Basic metabolic rate decreases

• Intolerance to glucose can result in increased blood glucose levels

Things to do to help:

• Proper exercise• Adequate rest• Balanced diet• Healthy lifestyle• Medical care for illnesses• Proper clothing to regulate

temperature