1. Common Changes in the Body Systems that Occur with Aging
Individuals usually learn to adapt and cope with these changes.

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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 when possible
Deep breathing and coughing helps clear lung passages
Use oxygen if needed

12. 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

13. These changes result in:
Dizziness
Weakness
Numbness
A rapid heart rate (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.

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. Things to do to help Give elderly time to think and respond
Stay involved in current events and other memory stimulating activities such as 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 detectors and chemical detectors
Extreme care when handling hot or cold items

18. 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

19. These changes result in:
Difficulty swallowing (dysphasia)
Difficulty chewing
Indigestion
Constipation
More gas
Poor appetite

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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!!

23. 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

24. Reproductive System Changes
Decrease of estrogen and progesterone in females
Breasts sag when fat is redistributed
Decrease of testosterone in males
Testes become smaller and less firm

25. These changes result in:
Thinning in vaginal walls and less vaginal secretions
Vaginal infections are more common
Weakness in supporting tissues
Response to sexual stimulation is slower in male and ejaculation may take longer
Sexual desire may or may not diminish

26. Things to do to help:
Respect privacy of married couples in long term care facilities to allow them to meet their sexual needs
Healthcare workers should understand both the physical and psychological sexual needs of elderly
Treat vaginal infections
Good hygiene