e some common conditions associated Dementia, diabetes, arthritis, and cardiac disease.
with aging?
How does chronic pain affect emotional Chronic pain can lead to emotional distress, possibly
health in older adults? resulting in depression and social withdrawal.
What is the role of mitochondria in the Mitochondria produce energy for all cells in the body.
body?
What happens to mitochondria over ROS damage mitochondria, reducing their energy
time due to reactive oxygen species production.
(ROS)?
What are telomeres and their function? Telomeres are protective DNA caps at the ends of
chromosomes that shorten with each cell division.
What is the consequence of critically Cells may stop dividing and undergo cell death, leading
short telomeres? to decreased longevity and chronic diseases.
What are the three layers of the skin? Epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.
What is the largest organ of the body? The skin.
What intrinsic and extrinsic factors Intrinsic factors include genetics; extrinsic factors
contribute to skin aging? include sun exposure and pollutants.
What changes occur in the epidermis The epidermis becomes thinner, leading to more visible
with aging? bruising and increased risk of sunburn.
, Gerontological Nursing and Healthy Aging | Practice Questions & Verified Answers | 2026-2027
What happens to collagen synthesis in Collagen synthesis decreases, making skin more prone
aging skin? to tears and less elastic.
What is the hypodermis and its role? The hypodermis is the subcutaneous layer that
provides cushioning and insulation.
How does aging affect hair and nail Hair becomes thinner and grayer, while nails may
health? thicken and become harder to groom.
What hormonal changes affect hair Decreased estrogen and testosterone can lead to
distribution in aging women? increased chin hair and decreased body hair.
What skeletal changes occur with Ligaments and joints become less flexible, muscle
aging? mass and strength decrease, and bone density
reduces.
What is a common risk for older adults Increased risk of dehydration.
due to reduced body water?
How does aging affect respiratory The chest wall stiffens, lungs lose elastic recoil, and
function? gas exchange becomes less efficient.
What is the impact of aging on cough Aging leads to a weaker cough, making it harder to
reflex? clear secretions.
What is the relationship between aging Normal aging processes can increase the risk of
and incontinence? incontinence.
What is lower extremity edema and its Lower extremity edema can occur due to stretched
potential cause in older adults? veins and poor blood flow back to the heart.