Changes in major body systems and functional decline in the elderly

Aging can not be avoided, because it is a result of time flow in biology. This aging process comes together with changes in the structures of the anatomy and their functional decline in the body. The changes are taken to be a loss since the vigor of the youth slowly diminishes. The physical attractiveness is lost, and health related problems slowly set in. The pattern of changes in the body systems depends on a person’s gender, lifestyle, health, nutrition and education. Therefore, these changes will always vary from one individual to another. This paper focuses on the changes that occur in the major body systems, and how their functions decline as an individual advances in age.

Most often the aging signs are evident on the skin, and to most individuals the change is also manifested on the skin’s accessory structures, the hair. The integumentary system is believed to be the first to clearly indicate the signs of aging. As people age, the skin becomes thinner, dryer and less elastic (Atwal & McIntyre, 2013). The result is an easily damaged skin that exposes the other organs to risks of diseases. The skin’s capacity to take in shock and moderate the shockis reduced, together with its properties of reducing the temperature. Older adults are unable to keep their bodies cool when there is excess heat, and this exposes them to the risk of heat stroke. They should rely on observing the weather when feeling fails, to protect themselves from these problems. In case of any wound development on the bodies of the elderly, it takes longer to heal because the body has reduced the secretions that help the skin to fight against microbes and bacteria that penetrate the skin and enter the blood stream (Cavanaugh & Blanchardields, 2014).

The changes in the integumentary system are affected by the changes in the functioning of other systems in the body. The habit of nutrients ingestion and hydration affects how the skin of the individual shows the signs of aging. Healing of wounds and having firm collagen is determined by how a person takes in proteins and calcium. If their habit of nutritional uptake was poor in their youth, the elderly people tend to age fast. They lose weight fast if their bodies do not have adequate calories, and the subcutaneous adipose tissue wears off quickly, leading to the individual having inadequate insulation and protection (Atwal & McIntyre, 2013). The gastrointestinal system significantly affects the individuals’ nutritional state. Many age-related changes occur in the elderly; with the commencement of the diseasesthey require regular treatment. This prevents the elderly to buy or prepare food that is vital for the maintenance of their health. To avoid this situation, the elderly should be well cared for to maintain their health. Changes in appetite and nauseating that occur in the gastrointestinal system indicate disorders in other systems (Saxon, Etten & Perkins, 2009). The cardiovascular system also determines how the skin responds to infections, and the time it takes to heal. Cardiac and vascular ability determines how the transport of nutrients and wastes to and from the skin occur and whether the skin is well oxygenated. If this system reduces its activities, the skin automatically deteriorates.

The autonomic nervous system changes as people age, especially the defection in the body temperature control and sleep. Older adults find it difficult in realizing when their core body temperature is below normal. They may not realize that their bodies are experiencing cold. The maintenance of normal body temperatures are also controlled by many other body systems, most of which decline as a person ages (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2014). The elderly also have a slower vasoconstrictor response that makes it hard for them to raise their body temperatures when it falls. They might not also respond quickly to high heat because they produce little sweat. Older adults are, therefore, affected by hypothermia and hyperthermia during extreme weather changes. They experience perturbed sleep during the night, and the consequences are reducedactivities during the day. The lack of sleep is caused by the difficulty to regulate normal body temperature in most cases. Clinical help should be sought at this point.

The reproductive system for both men and women is affected as old age sets in. Women lose their ability to bear children as old age approachesand progesterone levels go down, and changes in sexual functioning occur (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2014). Different women from different backgrounds take these changes in different ways. Some take it positively and appreciate it as a normal process, while others take it negatively. Women are exposed to increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, urine loss during physical stress, weight gain and memory loss due to low estrogen levels. Men are exposed to risk of prostate cancer as they advance in age. It is, therefore, important to monitor them often for early treatment. They also experience physical changes in sexual performance, but not as much as women. Since sexual behavior is important in human relationships, it is important for older partners understand each other and appreciate the fact that changes in their bodies are inevitable as their life’s advances.

The sensory system also changes with age. The amount of light passing through the eye is reduced, as well as the ability to adjust to changes in the illumination. It becomes hard for them to adjust and focus, because their lens changes color. As a result, diseases like cataracts and glaucoma quickly sets up in the elderly (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2014). Most of the elderly are also affected by diabetes, which causes degeneration of the retina. The elderly, thus, experience difficulties when moving around in dim light or when there is a lot of light. It is important to provide adequate illumination to ease their vision and stop more straining. Sunglasses would also be appropriate when moving during the day in bright light.

The ability to move around is also reduced as one ages because the amount of muscles reduces, decreasing their strength. Rheumatoid arthritis reduces the ability to get around and be active in the environment (Saxon, Etten & Perkins, 2009). The elder person’s self-esteem may go down due to loss of strength, thus the need to depend on other people. Some cultures also stereotype older adults and look down upon them, which increase their self-pity. It is important to appreciate the elderly since everyone must pass through that phase at one point of their lives. They should be appropriately cared for and shown love.

In conclusion, old age is an unavoidable phase of life that we must all face. Physical appearance changes for the elderly and their youthful attractiveness reduces, followed by many other complications in their health. However, these complications can be dealt with by providing betterhealth care to the elderly. It is also important to provide a tranquil environment for the elderly, especially one free of noise to preserve their hearing ability. Expression of love to the elderly is also vital.

References

Atwal, A., & McIntyre, A. (2013). Occupational therapy and older people. Hoboken, NJ: John Willey & Sons, Inc.

Cavanaugh, J., & Blanchard-Fields, F. (2014). Adult development and aging. Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning, Inc.

Saxon, S., V., Etten, J., M., Perkins, E., A. (2009).Physical change and aging. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.