Aging Concepts
Symptoms of Aging
- Diminished Sensory Acuity
- Wrinkling Drooping Skin
- Graying Hair / Baldness
- Decreased Muscle Mass & Strength
- Increased Body Fat
- Reduced Energy & Stamina
- Diminished Mobility & Flexibility
- Insomnia
- Stiff & Painful Joints
Theories of Aging
- Genetic
- Aging is "programmed" into the genes
- Certain genes are "timekeepers" for the aging process
- Wear and Tear
- Factors in the environment cause cumulative damage to cells
- Mechanisms to resist and repair damage are critical
Changes in Body Composition
- Loss of lean body (muscle) mass
- Decreased strength
- Decreased fitness and loss of functional capacity
- Increase in total fat mass (percent body fat)
- Insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes)
- Increased LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and fatty acids
- Decreased bone density (negative calcium balance)
Metabolic / Physiologic Function
- Decreased protein synthesis
- Slower healing
- Reduced immune system function
- Altered hormone balance
Diseases of Aging
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Type II Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Senile Dementia
- Alzheimer
- Parkinson
- Frailty
- Sarcopenia (loss of muscle and strength)
- Immune deficiency
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