About Zebra magazine. (Athens, Ga.) 1996-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 1, 1998)
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 19
