The aging process affects every organ system. Some changes begin as early as ages 30 to 40. The aging process becomes more rapid between ages 55 and 60.
| Organ System |
Effect of Aging |
| Integumentary |
Loss of elasticity in the skin tissue, producing wrinkles and sagging skin; oil glands and sweat glands decrease their activity, causing dry skin; hair thins |
| Skeletal |
Decline in the rate of bone deposition, causing weak and brittle bones; decrease in height |
| Muscular |
Muscles begin to weaken; muscle reflexes become slower |
| Nervous |
Brain size and weight decreases; fewer cortical neurons; rate of neurotransmitter production declines; short-term memory may be impaired; intellectual capabilities remain constant unless disturbed by a stroke; reaction times are slower |
| Sensory |
Eyesight is impaired with most people becoming far-sighted; hearing, smell, and taste are reduced |
| Endocrine |
Reduction in the production of circulating hormones; thyroid becomes smaller; production of insulin is reduced |
| Cardiovascular |
Pumping efficiency of the heart is reduced; blood pressure is usually higher; reduction in peripheral blood flow; arteries tend to become more narrow |
| Lymphatic |
Reduced sensitivity and responsiveness of the immune system; increased chances of infection and/or cancer |
| Respiratory |
Breathing capacity and lung capacity are reduced due to less elasticity of the lungs; air sacs in lungs are replaced by fibrous tissue |
| Digestive |
Decreased peristalsis and muscle tone; stomach produces less hydrochloric acid; intestines produce fewer digestive enzymes; intestinal walls are less able to absorb nutrients |
| Excretory |
Glomerular filtration rate is reduced; decreased peristalsis and muscle tone; weakened muscle tone often leads to incontinence |
| Reproductive |
Ovaries decrease in weight and begin to atrophy in women; reproductive capabilities cease with menopause in women; sperm count decreases in men |
