What
occurs with normal aging? |
What
are the results of normal aging? |
What
can I do to help? |
When
do I call? |
| A loss of muscle tone, muscle mass, endurance, and strength. |
A loss of muscle tone and strength can affect all
muscular functions of the body including body motion,
blood circulation and bowel elimination.
Loss of muscle function combined with loss of nerve
function results in slower and less effective muscle
actions. |
Encourage activity.
Encourage self care.
Allow them time.
|
Significant losses
of strength, swelling and water retention or a change
or interruption in bowel function should all be reported. |
| Bone
becomes less dense and more porous |
Increases incidence of bone fractures
and reduces mobility
|
Ensure the environment is safe.
Use mobility aids as needed.
Maintain activity that encourages the bones to bear
weight to help to increase the amount of minerals stored
in the bone, making it denser. |
Inquire
about dietary supplements to encourage strong and dense
bones. |
The cartilage cushion between spinal bones and joints
shrinks.
Soft tissues increase in mass. |
An overall loss of height.
An exaggerated curve in the upper back.
Reduced agility and motion.
Increased size of ears and nose. |
Awareness and adjustment of clothing and mobility aids
to accommodate the change in height. |
Report pain, and a
sudden change in spinal curves. |
| Tendons and ligaments become less
flexible and stiff. |
Joint stiffness with reduced ability
to move. |
More time to adjust position and
get mobile.
Maintain activity levels. Stretch before moving. |
Pain, swelling and
a sudden change in mobility should be reported. |
