Physiological Changes with Aging at a Glance.

TABLE 14-1 Common Physiological Changes with Aging at a Glance Fundamentals of Nursing, 8th Edition SYSTEM COMMON CHANGES Integumentary Loss of skin elasticity with fat loss in extremities, pigmentation changes, glandular atrophy (oil, moisture, sweat glands), thinning hair, with hair turning gray-white (facial hair: decreased in men, increased in women), slower nail growth, atrophy of epidermal arterioles Respiratory Decreased cough reflex; decreased cilia; increased anterior-posterior chest diameter; increased chest wall rigidity; fewer alveoli, increased airway resistance; increased risk of respiratory infections Cardiovascular Thickening of blood vessel walls; narrowing of vessel lumen; loss of vessel elasticity; lower cardiac output; decreased number of heart muscle fibers; decreased elasticity and calcification of heart valves; decreased baroreceptor sensitivity; decreased efficiency of venous valves; increased pulmonary vascular tension; increased systolic blood pressure; decreased peripheral circulation