Joints lose their mobility and deteriorate from constant wear and pressure. Finally, the liver filters toxins from the blood less efficiently. These are not all of the changes to the body that are brought about by aging, but these are the major ones. There is hope in modern medicine, though. Through the use of new technologies and drugs some of these changes can be slowed or prevented. .
SKIN -loses thickness and elasticity (wrinkles appear) -bruises more easily as blood vessels near surface weaken -Process accelerated by smoking, -excessive exposure to sun. .
BRAIN/NERVOUS SYSTEM -loses some capacity for memorization and learning as cells die -becomes slower to respond to stimuli (reflexes dull) -Process accelerated by overuse of alcohol and other drugs, repeated blows to the head. .
SENSES -becomes less sharp with the loss of nerve cells -Process accelerated by smoking, -repeated exposure to loud noise. .
LUNGS -becomes less effective as elasticity decreases -Process accelerated by smoking, -poor air quality, insufficient exercise. .
HEART -pumps less efficiently, making exercise more difficult -Process accelerated by overuse of alcohol and tobacco, poor eating habits. .
CIRCULATION -worsens and blood pressure rises, as arteries harden -Process accelerated by insufficient exercise, smoking, poor eating habits.
JOINTS -lose mobility (knee, hip) and deteriorate from constant wear and pressure (disappearance of cartilage between vertebrae results in old age shrinking) -Process accelerated by injury, obesity.
MUSCLES -lose bulk and strength -Process accelerated by insufficient exercise, starvation. .
LIVER -filters toxins from blood less efficiently -Process accelerated by alcohol abuse, viral infection. .
There are numerous physical changes that are experienced by the elderly:.
Confusion. .
• There are numerous causes. It might be due to an infection, such as pneumonia or perhaps a urinary tract infection.