Discuss and explain the biological theories of aging.

Discussion Post :

Chapter 3 – Biological Theories of Aging & Age-Related Physical Changes.

1-) Question(s): Discuss and explain the biological theories of aging.

Guidelines:

· The answer should be based on the knowledge obtained from reading the book, not just your opinion.

· All the theories (corresponding chapter in textbook) should be mentioned and explained (mention at least three).

· The grade will be an average of all theories.

· APA Format. Time New Roman, 12 Font.

· All DQ submissions will be monitored for plagiarism.

BOOK: Ebersole and Hess’ Gerontological Nursing and Healthy Aging 5th

Author: Theris A. Touhy; Kathleen F. Jett
Edition: 5th

ISBN 13: 9780323401678 (978-0-323-40167-8)
ISBN: 0323401678 (0-323-40167-8)

Chapter 3

Biological Theories of Aging and Age-Related Physical Changes

Are attempts to explain senescence or changes in the organism, leading ultimately to its death
Theories indicate that
Cells in the body become disorganized or chaotic
Cells no long replicate
Cellular death occurs

Biological Theories of Aging

A rise in the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) damages cells and ultimately results in the cell no longer being able to function
The number of ROS is increased by external factors such as pollution and cigarette smoke and by internal factors such as inflammation
Damage appears to be random and unpredictable, varying from one cell to another, from one person to another

Oxidative Stress Theories

Suggests that aging is a result of an accumulation of damage to the immune system, or immunosenescence
A chronic state of inflammation, combined with increasing number of ROS in the cells, appears to be a key factor in the aging process and the development of many health problems common in later life

Immunological Theory

Growing evidence suggesting that ROS and free radicals alone do not trigger the aging process but lead to DNA mutations that cause errors in reproduction
Area of great research interest
Do telomeres have their own “biological clock?”
Is there a relationship between oxidative stress and the development of disease?

Aging and DNA

Occur as a result of genetic (intrinsic) and environmental (extrinsic) factors
Epidermis
Thins, making blood vessels and bruises more visible
Fewer melanocytes result in a lighter appearance of the skin
Age spots or liver spots (lentigines) appear on the backs of hands and wrists and on the face
Seborrheic keratoses and thick, brown, and raised lesions appear

Skin Changes of Aging

Dermis
Loses about 20% of its thickness
Dermal blood vessels are reduced, which accounts for resultant skin pallor and cooler skin temperature
Collagen synthesis decreases
Elastin fibers thicken and fragment, leading to loss of stretch and resilience and a “sagging” appearance
Hypodermis
Areas atrophy, causing increased sensitivity to cold
Sebaceous (oil) glands atrophy

Skin Changes of Aging (Cont.)

Hair
Thins on the head
Increased hair in the ears, nose, and eyebrows
Loses pigmentation (graying occurs)
Women develop chin hair, and leg, axillary, and pubic hair decrease
Nails
Become harder, thicker, dull, and more brittle
Vertical ridges appear
Growth slows

Hair and Nail Changes

Although not life-threatening, they can affect one’s ability to function and quality of life
Changes are influenced by many factors, such as age, sex, race, and environment
Changes
Ligaments, tendons, and joints become dry, hardened, and less flexible
Muscle mass decreases
Vertebral disks thin, causing a shortening of the trunk

Musculoskeletal Changes

Cardiac
Left ventricle wall thickens
Size of the left atrium slightly increases
Maximum coronary artery blood flow, stroke volume, and cardiac output decrease
The heart takes longer to accelerate and then to return to normal
Vascular
Elasticity decreases, and blood vessels recoil
Veins become stretched, and the valves become less efficient

Cardiovascular Changes

Respiratory problems are common but almost always the result of exposure to environmental toxins rather than the aging process
Changes include
Loss of recoil
The chest wall stiffens
Gas exchange is less efficient
Resistance to air flow increases
Effectiveness of cough response is reduced
Cilia are less effective

Respiratory Changes

Changes are significant because of increased susceptibility to fluid and electrolyte imbalance and structural damage from medications and contrast media
Changes include
Kidney blood flow decreases
Size and function of the kidneys decrease
Urine creatinine clearance decreases

Renal Changes

The impact of most changes is not clear
Changes include
Most glands shrink
Rate of secretion decreases
Increased insulin resistance
Rates of type II diabetes and hypothyroidism are higher in older adults

Endocrine Changes

Women
Unable to procreate after the cessation of ovulation
Breasts appear smaller, more pendulous, and less firm
Ovaries, uterus, and cervix atrophy
Estrogen levels decrease
Vaginal wall loses its ability to lubricate
Male
Testes atrophy and soften
Ejaculation is slower and less forceful
Testosterone level reduces
May experience urinary retention

Reproductive Changes

Mouth
Teeth lose enamel and dentin, making them vulnerable to decay
Taste buds decline in number
Salivary secretion lessens; consequently, a dry mouth exists
Stomach
Esophagus and stomach sluggishly empty
Decreased gastric motility and volume
Decreased ability to produce intrinsic factor
Intestines
Villi in the intestines are less functioning, which affects absorption
Peristalsis slows
Constipation is common

Gastrointestinal Changes

Central nervous system
Brain size and weight decrease
Subtle changes in cognitive and motor functioning occur in the very old
Mild memory impairments and difficulties with balance may be seen
Performance of tasks may take longer
Peripheral nervous system
Decreased tactile, kinesthetic, and vibratory senses
Reaction time is delayed

Neurologic Changes

Changes are both functional and structural
All of the changes affect visual acuity and accommodation
Near vision decreases, and the lenses thicken
Eyelids lose elasticity and droop
Color perception decreases
Lower eyelids turn out, and dry eye syndrome is common
Resorption of the intraocular fluid becomes less efficient
Decline in peripheral vision

Eye and Vision Changes

Affect both the structure and the function of the ear
Appearance changes, especially in men
Ear lobes sag, elongate, and wrinkle
Wiry, stiff, course hairs grow
Ear wax is more thick and dry
Age-related hearing loss occurs
Primarily lose ability to hear high-frequency sounds

Ear Changes

Changes result in an increased risk for infection in older adults
Immunity is reduced at the cellular level
Oral temperature is lower
Decreased response to foreign antigens
Immunoglobulins increase

Immune Changes

In performing a physical assessment for an older adult, the nurse anticipates finding which of the following normal physiological changes of aging? (Select all that apply.)

Irregular heart rate

Increased salivation

Reduced muscle mass

Decreased lower leg hair

Diminished bowel sounds

Question

C, D—An irregular heart beat, increased salivation, and diminished bowel sounds are not associated with normal aging

Answer

A nurse performing a health history on an older adult patient determines that further follow-up is required for which non–age-related finding?

Early feelings of satiety

Occasional constipation

Seeing halos around lights

Difficulty hearing some conversations

Question

C—Seeing halos around lights is not a normal age-related finding. It is a symptom of glaucoma, and follow-up is required.

Answer

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