M232/MEA2203 Section-Module 06 Changes with Aging (Cellular and Systematic)

As the human body ages, cells lose their ability to function as efficiently and replicate as quickly as they once did. This leads to physiological changes as the body becomes older. Cells are slower to adapt to changes, which can make older people more susceptible to disease and health problems.

While the process of aging is not completely understood, several theories can explain the physiological changes seen in older people. First, it is theorized that cells are pre-programmed to exist for a certain amount of time as if they have an “expiration date.” When the body is slow to replace these cells, their function deteriorates. Another common theory is that cells simply “wear out” over time. The longer a person is alive, the more stress the body is exposed to. Accumulated “wear and tear” will cause degeneration of the cells and tissues, adversely affecting their function and replication ability.

Normal Aging

All older people experience the effects of aging and are more likely to experience disease. However, some of the physiological changes are considered a “normal” part of the aging process:

• Loss of height
• Mild weight gain, which leads to mild weight loss later
• Loss of muscle mass
• Loss of elasticity in skin
• Changes in hearing and vision
• Slower immune response
• Slower reaction time