Integumentary • Hair loses color and becomes thinner
• Skin dries, becomes less elastic; wrinkles develop
• Skin is fragile and tears easily
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Bruises easily (senile purpura common)
Reduced blood flow in vessels that nourish the skin results in delayed healing
• Fingernails and toenails thicken
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Sweat glands do not excrete perspiration as readily
Oil glands do not secrete as much oil
There is increased sensitivity to cold
Skin discolorations (age spots) become more common
Blood supply to the feet and legs is reduced, increasing the risk of injury and ulcers, and sensations of cold
Nervous
Sensory
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• Brain cells are lost, but intelligence remains intact unless disease is present
• Decreased sensitivity of nerve receptors in skin (heat, cold, pain, pressure)
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Risk of injury increases because of decreased ability to feel pressure and temperature changes
Decreased blood flow to the brain, which may result in mental confusion and memory loss
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Tasks involving speed, balance, coordination, and fine motor activities take longer because of slowed transmission of nerve impulses
Balance and coordination problems result from deterioration in the nerve terminals that provide information to the brain about body movement and position
Temperature regulation is less effective
Deep sleep is shortened; the person awakens more during the night
More difficult to see close objects
Night vision may decrease
Cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye) are more common
Dryness and itching of the eyes may result from decreased secretion of fluids
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Side vision and depth perception diminish
Hearing diminishes in most elderly persons
Smell receptors and taste buds become less sensitive, so foods have less taste
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2010 by Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
1

2 Part 5 Procedure Evaluation Forms
Musculoskelet al
Respiratory
Urinary
Digestive
Cardiovascula r
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Loss of elasticity of muscles and decrease in size of muscle mass result in reduced strength, flexibility, endurance, muscle tone, and delayed reaction time
Slower movements
Bones lose minerals, become brittle, and break more easily; arthritis and osteoporosis are common
Spine becomes less stable and flexible, increasing the risk of injury
Posture may become slumped because of weakness in back muscles
Degenerative changes in the joints result in limited movement, stiffness, and pain
Lung capacity decreases as a result of muscular rigidity in the lungs
Coughing is less effective; this results in pooling of secretions and fluid in the lungs, increasing the risk of infection and choking
Shortness of breath on exertion, as a result of aging changes in the lungs
Gas exchange in the lungs is less effective, resulting in decreased oxygenation
Kidneys decrease in size
Urine production is less efficient
Bladder capacity decreases, increasing the frequency of urination
Kidney function increases at rest, causing increased urination at night
Bladder muscles weaken, causing leaking of urine or inability to empty the bladder completely; complete emptying of bladder becomes more difficult
Enlargement of the prostate gland in the male, causing frequency of urination, dribbling, urinary obstruction, and urinary retention
Saliva production in the mouth decreases, causing difficulty with swallowing and digestion of starches, and increasing risk of tooth decay
Tastebuds on the tongue decrease, beginning with sweet and salt; changes in tastebuds may result in appetite changes and increase in condiment use
Gag reflex is less effective, increasing the risk of choking and aspiration
Movement of food into the stomach through the esophagus is slower
Food in the stomach is digested more slowly, so food remains there longer before moving to the small intestine
Flatulence increases
Indigestion and slower absorption of fat result from a decrease in digestive enzymes
Food movement through the large intestine is slower, resulting in constipation
Heart rate slows, causing a slower pulse and less efficient circulation.
This results in decreased energy and a slower response, causing the individual to tire easily
Blood vessels lose elasticity and develop calcium deposits, causing vessels to narrow
Blood pressure increases because of changes to the blood vessel walls
Heart rate takes longer to return to normal after exercise
Veins enlarge, causing blood vessels close to the skin surface to become more prominent
Heart may not pump as efficiently, leading to decreased cardiac output and circulation
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2010 by Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.

Part 5 Procedure Evaluation Forms 3
Endocrine •
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Decrease in levels of estrogen, progesterone
Hot flashes, nervous feelings
Higher levels of parathormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone
Delayed release of insulin, increasing blood sugar level; incidence of diabetes increases greatly with age
Metabolism rate and body functions slow, reducing the amount of
• calories needed for the body to function normally. This increases the risk of overweight and obesity
Reproductive Females:
• Fewer female hormones are produced
• Ovulation and menstrual cycle cease
Vaginal walls are thinner and drier
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Vagina becomes shorter and narrower
Breast tissue decreases and the muscles supporting the breasts weaken
Males:
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Scrotum less firm
Prostate gland may enlarge
Male hormones (testosterone) begin to decrease at about age 50 at the rate of approximately 1% per year
As hormone production decreases, testes become smaller and sperm count is lower
More time required for an erection
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2010 by Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.