Physiological changes due to ageing

Physiological changes due to ageing

Meaning of ageing

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Ageing is an inevitable and extremely complex, multi-factorial process. It s characterized by the progressive degeneration of organ system and tissues. It is largely determined by genetics ad influenced by a wide range of environmental factors such as diet, exercise, exposure to microorganism, pollutants, radiation, etc.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES DUE TO AGEING

The various physiological function reach their peak approximately during20 to 30 years. The research studies conducted in this field show that most of the system or functions after reaching their peak start  decreasing gradually with age. most of the research studies also show that most of the organs seem to lose physiological functions at about 1% a year beginning around 30 years of age.

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The major physiological changes due to ageing given bellow

1.   Changes in muscle size and strength: when an individual gets older, there is a decline in muscle size there is a decrease I muscle mass and increase in over all body fat. The decreasing in strength gradually occurs during the age of 35-45 years. However even at the age of 6 the decrease in strength does not appear to exceed 20% of an individual’s maximum strength.

2.   Changes in metabolism and body composition: with advancement of AGE our body need less energy and the metabolism slows down. Consequence there is an increase in the accumulated o body fat and therefore the lean body weight (bones ligaments, tissues, tendons, muscles and water) decrease. The metabolic rate decrease gradually with the increase age. It also result in more accumulated of body fat.

3.   Change in bone density : : with advancement of AGE the bone density decrease. It means that the elderly people especially those over 40 years of ages are minerals such as calcium and phosphorus found in bones. bone become less dense and more porous.

4.   Change in respiratory system: a number of studies show that pulmonary function is impaired with advancing age. He airways and lunges tissues become less elastic. The become less efficient there is decreased oxygen uptake and oxygen exchange. the muscles of ribcage become weak. Hence the ability to breathe deeply is reduced.

5.   Change in cardiovascular system: with advancing age, there is a progressive decrease in cardiac muscle strength. The stroke volume cardiac output and blood flow are al decrease with age. Blood vessels also lose their elasticity. They become more and more rigid. Systolic blood pressure also increases with age. The reduced blood flow results in reduced endurance. There is less nourishment to cells of body. Heart valves become less flexible.

6.   Change in nervous system: a number of research studies indicate that reaction time and movement time slow down with increase age. The brain’s weight, the size of its network and its blood flow decrease with age. However, the brain adapts to these changes, growing new patterns of nerve endings. To recall old memories becomes slow.

7.   Change in the gastrointestinal system: with increase age, there is a reduction in the production of hydrochloric acid, digestive enzymes and saliva. These change may result in delayed emptying of stomach impaired swallowing. The breakdown and absorption of food may also be impaired. The liver become less efficient in metabolizing drugs and repairing damaged liver cells.

8.   Change in urinary system: as we grow old the mass of the kidneys decreasing. This leads to reduction in the rate of blood filtration by the kidneys. The capacity of bladder decreases and there is an increases in residual urine. These changes increase the chances of urinary infections. With increasing age, it takes a long time four kidneys to get rid of waste products. These substances tend to remain in the body for a longer period of time.

9.   Changes in flexibility: the elasticity of tendons ligament and joint capsules is decreased with ageing .the elderly persons lose 8-10 cm of lower back and hip flexibility   according to a research  study.    

10.                     Change in senses; with advancing age the senses such as vision hearing ,taste, smell, touch,. may become less acute. Vision and hearing are most affected by ageing.

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ROLE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN MAINTAINING FUNCTIONAL FITNESS IN AGED POPULATION

No one can stop the clock of ageing, but every person can slow down its pace with the help of physical activity. As a matter of fact physical activity can play a significant role in maintaining functional fitness in aged population. Physical activity is the most powerful tool in the hands of aged people that it can improve, as maintain their functional fitness effectively. regular physical activity can play an effective role in maintaining functional fitness but it should be implemented in a proper way. First of all, aged people should consult a doctor regarding their level of physical fitness and health. The recommended amount of physical activity should not more than their capacity. The physical activity prescription for aged people should include aerobic, muscle strengthening and flexibility exercises. Regular activity can play an effective role in maintaining functional fitness in aged population in the following ways.

1.   Reduce the loss of muscle mass: muscle mass decreases with advantage age. Ageing has a negative effect on metabolism. Regular physical activity decrease the loss of lean body mass and drop in the metabolic rate. Regular physical activity also reduces the accumulation of fats.

2.   Help in maintaining bone density: bone density decreases with age. It usually leads to fracture and osteoporosis. Physical activity helps to maintain bone mass and prevents  osteoporosis. Resistance exercise stimulate bone growth.

3.   Slow down brain ageing: the regular physical activity reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment. It is a condition characterized by memory and thinking problem. mild cognitive impairment. May lead to dementia later on. Regular physical activity improves memory and cognitive skills. It stimulates the growth of new nerve cells and builds new capillaries to supply the brain with more oxygen.

4.   Reduces the risk of age-related diseases: regular physical activity reduces the risk of number of health problems related to ageing. Such health problems are type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, heart diseases, etc. regular physical activity decreases blood sugar level, decreases LDL (bad cholesterol), increases HDL(good cholesterol), decreases blood pressure and decreases blood vessel stiffness. It can be alluded that physical exercise reduces the risk of diseases related to ageing.

Improves muscular strength: ageing process does not hinder the individual’s ability to enhance muscles. As a matter of fact, physical activities increase the size of muscles which ultimately  increase muscular strength

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ageing