PHYSIOLOGIC CHANGES

The normal ageing represents the universal biological changes that occur with ahe and ae unaffected by disease and environmental influences.

The process og ageing is strongly influenced by the effects of environmental, lifestyle and disease states that, in turn related to or change with ageing buy are not due to ageing itself.

The ageing: a physiological process that starts at birth and causes characteristical changes to a species during its life cycle. In the last year of life these changes produce a limitation in the adaptability of the organism in relation to its environment.

The ageing:

-        it’s a normal process

-        it ocurrs in all humans beings

-        it starts as soon as we are born

-        it becomes more noticeable in our final years

-        it restricts our adaptability and reaction time

-        it’s not a standardized process

-        it’s different from one species to another. Each species has its own time limit

-        it’s different from one man to another

-        not all organs of a human being get old at same time.

Biologic:

1)     Identify anatomical and phsyciologtical changes.

2)     The epidermis become more fragile à Risk of sking.

Common disorders:

1)     Pressure ulcers: skirinkage in the cushion provides by a subcutaneous tissue along with vascular changes places the older adult at increased risk for pressure ulcers.

2)     Inflammation and infection: Rosacea (dilated superficial blood vessels and small pimples).

3)     Osteoporosis: porus, britlle, fragile bones à breakage

4)     Osteoarthritis

5)     Rheumatoid arthritis: results from an autoinmmune process.

6)     Bursitis: inflammation of bursa, and the surrounding fibrous tissue, can result from excessive stress on a joint or from a localized infection.

7)     Gouty arthritis: inborn error of metabolism that results in elevated levels of uric acid in the body.

Other common disorders (respiratory):

1)     Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary diseade (COPD): asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

2)     Influenza (Flu)

3)     Pneumonia.

Disorders in hematopoietic and lymphatic system:

The characteristic of blood change somewhat as person ages. Plasma viscosity increases slightly and is most often related to a general decrease in total body fluid.

Disorders in gastrointestinal system:

-        Hiatal hernia

-        Gastritis and ulcers

Disorders in urinary system:

               The kidneys decrease in size. One-third of their efficiency and they lack functional reserve. The number of nephrons decreases.

Personal reflection: 

The aging has got changes as the years go.

We have to understand the patient, explain and report changes that can be suffering.

If the patient has a disease, we must always explain simply.

Help with techniques and give you the information necessary to control the disease.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Gloria Hoffmann Wold. Basic Geriatric Nursing. 5th Edition. Elsevier. Biology of aging. Chile. 2009