Changes in the Body With Aging

The function of organs depends on the function of the cells inside the internal organs. Older cells have poorer function. Furthermore, in some organs, the number of cells decreases because the cells die and are not replaced. As the body ages, the number of testis, ovary, liver and kidney cells decreases markedly. When the number of cells becomes too small, the organ does not function properly. Therefore, as age goes up, most organs function decreases, but not all organs lose many cells. The brain is one example. Healthy elderly do not lose many brain cells. Many losses occur mainly in patients suffering from stroke and diseases that cause gentle loss of nerve cells such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease (neurodegenerative disease).

Degradation of the function of the organ affects the functions of other organs, whether due to symptoms or aging itself. For example, if atherosclerosis contracts blood vessels to the kidneys, the blood flow to the kidneys decreases, so the function of the kidneys is reduced.

Usually the first signs of aging are related to the musculoskeletal system. The eyes followed the ears and began to change at the beginning of the year. Most internal functions also decrease with age. Most of the physical function had peaked before 30 years old, but it began to gradually decline after that, but it continues to decrease. However, even with this reduction, most of the functions are still sufficient, as most organs begin to have a functional capacity far beyond the body's requirements (functional reserve). For example, if half of the liver is destroyed, the remaining tissue is sufficient to maintain normal function. Therefore, disability rather than normal aging is often the main cause of loss of function in old age.

Most features are still adequate, but a decline in function means that the elderly can not cope with stress including severe physical activity, extreme temperature change and environmental disturbance. This decrease also means elderly people are susceptible to drug side effects. Some organs tend to fail under pressure over other organs. These organs include the heart, blood vessels, urinary organs (such as kidneys), and the brain.

Physical change accompanying aging: Hormone production and susceptibility (growth hormone, insulin, androgen, etc.) change with aging. As a result, elderly people lose muscle tissue (called sarcopenia). Malnutrition and declining physical activity exacerbate this loss. In addition, the loss of muscle tissue with aging is a common complication of malnutrition of the elderly, such as high risk of infection. Drugs: Many drugs used to treat general diseases of the elderly (depression, cancer, heart failure, hypertension, etc.) can cause malnutrition. Drugs can increase nutritional requirements of the body, change the way the body uses nutrients, reduce appetite. Some medications have side effects of diarrhea and eating disorders such as nausea and constipation.

Science tells us that the body will change with age. These aging changes include the way the disease occurs in the elderly, the body's response to the treatment, and even some treatments that may no longer be appropriate. Psychological changes may affect memory by age. Over time, as more modern procedures and equipment change, understanding of changes in technology and medicines may be diminished. (Lippincott, 2011) In common sense, patients are older, so their medical history may be wider than younger patients. So far they may be exposed to infections whose body is dormant. Additional considerations for all aspects of patient assessment are important in the treatment of elderly patients

Many of the changes due to age are based on general physical changes. From concept to death, the human body is changing. The change in ability of the body to function at the previous level is normal. The best function of age is a goal. Remember that body aging occurs at different rates throughout the body cells, organs, and body systems. Furthermore, the overall aging process varies from person to person. The usual change with age usually means that it is more likely to cause disease and disability, but it is not morbid itself. Elderly people can adapt to normal physical changes to occur gradually. Scientists and medical professionals continue to learn more about how to limit disabilities and promote optimal function