Choose three body systems from the list below and discuss some of the effects of aging on those systems
cardiovascular system; musculoskeletal system; integumentary system (skin, hair, nails); special senses
(vision, hearing, taste, smell); nervous system
What will be an ideal response
The discussion of age-related changes to the body systems may include the following answers:
†¢ Cardiovascular system
ââ€" ¦ Maximal heart rate decreases
ââ€" ¦ Maximal cardiac output decreases
ââ€" ¦ Buildup of fatty plaque in blood vessels, resulting in atherosclerosis
†¢ Musculoskeletal system
ââ€" ¦ Bone strength declines with decrease in bone mineral density (osteoporosis).
ââ€" ¦ Bone mass declines after age 20
ââ€" ¦ Loss of bone mass accelerates in women after menopause from decline in estrogen
ââ€" ¦ Loss of connective tissue between joints
ââ€" ¦ Muscle mass declines after age 20
ââ€" ¦ Loss of muscle mass results in reduced mobility and independence, increases risk of falls
†¢ Integumentary system (skin, hair, nails)
ââ€" ¦ Oil production declines, skin and hair become dry
ââ€" ¦ Changes in connective tissue lead to wrinkles
ââ€" ¦ Skin pigmentation changes, spots appear
ââ€" ¦ Hair begins to thin after age 20
ââ€" ¦ Follicles produce less pigment, hair fades to gray
†¢ Special senses (vision, hearing, taste, smell)
ââ€" ¦ Loss of ability to focus on close objects (presbyopia)
ââ€" ¦ Night vision becomes impaired
ââ€" ¦ Loss of depth perception
ââ€" ¦ Cellular changes in tongue and nose diminish taste and smell, changes that can contribute to
appetite loss
†¢ Nervous system
ââ€" ¦ Loss of brain cells (neurons)
ââ€" ¦ Decrease in neurotransmitters
ââ€" ¦Gradual loss of memory.
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