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SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH
Summarization Of The Important EventsThat Occur As We Get Old
Body composition. We gain fat and
lose body water. This means that not only
do our bodily configurations change, but we
respond differently to medication. For
example, fat-soluble drugs stay in the
system longer; water-soluble medications
may reach higher concentrations. In addi
tion, thermoregulation and thirst sensation
become impaired with age. Finally, we
make fewer red blood cells, so some degree
of anemia is common in the elderly.
Cardiovascular. Blood pressure
increases, maximum heart rate decreases,
the heart muscle loses cells (so the cardiac
output falls - by about 30 percent by age
65), electrical conduction through heart
muscle becomes slower, and fat deposits
appear on arterial linings (leading to
blockages).
Musculoskeletal. There is a pro
nounced loss of muscle mass (down by at
least 20 percent by age 65) and bone density
(as much as 3 percent per year after age 55).
Connective tissue elasticity is lost (causing
wrinkling and sagging). The viscosity of
synovial fluid (the liquid that lubricates our
joints) decreases, leading to pain and
stiffness.
Respiratory. Progressive diminution of
breathing capacity and lung efficiency
(down 50 percent by age 70) is associated
with low blood-oxygen levels and
intolerance to exercise. These consequences
are markedly aggravated by smoking and
air pollution.
Genitourinary. Increased size of the
prostate in males leads to urinary retention
and a host of other symptoms. In women,
shriveling of the genitourinary tract is often
associated with incontinence and vaginal
inflammation. Loss of kidney efficiency
leads to poor excretion of medications, so
that unintentional toxicity can be a problem
- especially since the aged are more likely
to take medicines.
Gastrointestinal. Diminished liver
function causes intolerance to alcohol and
poor or delayed metabolism of many drugs.
Reduced vitamin D absorption contributes
to the development of osteoporosis.
Digestion becomes less efficient, lactose
(milk sugar) intolerance may appear, and
constipation is almost universal.
Immunity. This decreases, leading to
more susceptibility to infection.
Nervous system. Nerve conduction is
reduced (up to 15 percent by age 60),
neurons die and are not replaced (causing
forgetfulness, confusion and so forth), the
brain shrinks (beginning after age 20),
reflexes markedly slow (leading to unsteady
gait and a tendency to fall), and the sleep
center malfunctions (causing insomnia).
Of course, there are other obvious con
sequences of aging - such as failing vision
and hearing, tooth and hair loss, and the
general wearing out of body parts. But, I
believe, my litany covers the major factors.
Sooner or later, Father Time catches up
with us. This is reason enough, I suppose, to
live each day to its fullest, while learning to
adapt to our handicaps, being thankful for
what advantages we are granted by our
genes, and trying to avoid abusing our
fragile good health.
Y ou’d like a healthcare plan for your
family that provides the care you
deserve and the coverage you prefer.
Now it’s here. Athens Area Health Plan
Select.
The plan you can trust
from the people you know.
Athens Area Health Plan Select is an
Athens-based health maintenance organi
zation, affiliated with Athens Regional
Medical Center, created just for you. Ask
your employer to look into it today.
Athens Area
Health Plan Select
295 IV. Clayton St. • Athens, Georgia 30601
Tel. (706) 549-05-19 / (800) 293-6260
Fax(706)549-8004
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 25
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