EFFECTS OF AGING ON PHYSICAL STRUCTURE
Gerontologists study the social and behavioral effects of aging. The biological effects of aging, such as the loss of flexibility in some tissues and the decline of organ function, can influence these social and behavioral effects. For example, the heart becomes less efficient as a person ages, making exercise more difficult.
|
Organ or System |
Natural Effects of Aging |
Accelerating Factors |
|
Skin |
Loses thickness and elasticity (wrinkles appear) |
Process accelerated by smoking, excessive exposure to sun |
|
|
Bruises more easily as blood vessels near surface weaken |
|
|
Brain/Nervous System |
Loses some capacity for memorization and learning as cells die |
Process accelerated by overuse of alcohol and other drugs, repeated blows to the head |
|
|
Becomes
slower to respond to stimuli |
|
|
Senses |
Become less sharp with loss of nerve cells |
Process accelerated by smoking, repeated exposure to loud noise |
|
Lungs |
Become less efficient as elasticity decreases |
Process accelerated by smoking, poor air quality, insufficient exercise |
|
Heart |
Pumps less efficiently, making exercise more difficult |
Process accelerated by overuse of alcohol and tobacco, poor eating habits |
|
Circulation |
Worsens, and blood pressure rises, as arteries harden |
Process accelerated by injury, obesity |
|
Joints |
Lose mobility (knee, hip) and deteriorate from constant wear and pressure (disappearance of cartilage between vertebrae results in old age 'shrinking') |
Process accelerated by injury, obesity |
|
Muscles |
Lose bulk and strength |
Process accelerated by insufficient exercise, starvation |
|
Liver |
Filters toxins from blood less efficiently |
Process accelerated by alcohol abuse, viral infection |