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Aging Process: What is Happening to the Body and What Does it Mean? Summary
EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE Approximately 22% of individuals aged 70 and older have sarcopenia, and this figure increases to about 50% for those aged over 80. Regular physical activity is critical when it comes to mitigating this condition. A research study conducted in 2020 demonstrated that physically active older adults tended to have better cardiorespiratory fitness, greater upper and lower body strength, and lower levels of sarcopenia compared to sedentary seniors. Sarcopenia Risk Factors • Advanced age • Muscle disuse • Hormonal changes • Diminished calorie intake, low protein • Reduced physical activity Sarcopenia and age-related muscular decline have profound implications for postural control, balance, and fall risk in older adults. Therefore, as healthcare providers, it is critical to incorporate a variety of strengthening, progressive resistive, and aerobic exercises to improve strength and counteract some of these detrimental effects. The cardiovascular system also goes through a number of changes as we age. With age, there's a reduction in myocytes (heart cells) and an increase in non-contractile tissues , such as fat and collagen. There's also cross-linking of collagen fibers, which leads to increased stiffness, thickening and reduced compliance of the ventricles . As a result, blood takes longer to fill up in the ventricles, leading to a decreased cardiac output (less blood pumping out). A notable consequence of these changes is an increase in blood pressure , a common concern among older adults that is associated with conditions such as stroke, heart attacks, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, and kidney failure.
LEARNING TIP! Additionally, there is a decrease in heart rate max and decrease in SA node cells with age.
ATHEROSCLEROSIS VS. ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
Atherosclerosis • Build up of lipid material under the surface of the epithelium of the vessels (i.e., plaque buildup in arteries) • Results in increased turbulence and resistance to blood flow • Raises systolic and diastolic blood pressure Arteriosclerosis • Increased thickness of connective tissue in the blood vessels • Results in increased turbulence and resistance to blood flow • Raises systolic and diastolic blood pressure | HEALTHCARE CONSIDERATION Aerobic and endurance exercises have been shown to minimize age-related changes in arterial compliance; however, even with exercise, aging still makes individuals susceptible to high blood pressure. As healthcare providers, it's essential to monitor blood pressure during therapy sessions to ensure that hyper – or hypotension are adequately managed. Maintaining proper hydration is crucial for older adults. Dehydration can exacerbate low blood pressure, so encouraging patients to drink water is essential. When taking someone's blood pressure, inquire about their recent fluid and medication intake to understand the potential influence on their blood pressure readings.
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