Gerontology

Physical Aspects of Aging

Much attention has been given to the specific biological processes that occur during aging. Although to date there is not consensus in regard to the causes of aging, there is general agreement that the physical signs of aging result from the body's natural changes in tissues. In older adults, stroma (connective tissue) increases, while parenchyma (functional tissue) decreases. This process occurs throughout all organs of the body and likely works in conjunction with hormonal changes, resulting in a general aging pattern experienced by most healthy older adults. Physical changes are a normal product of aging and generally occur in the skin, hair, body build, mobility, cardiovascular, respiratory, excretory, digestive, reproduction, nervous, and immune systems. Sensory organs are affected as well, leading to changes in vision, hearing, balance, taste, and smell.

Although the disease process is not automatically indicated with aging, chronic degenerative diseases may assert themselves in older individuals, including diabetes, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, gout, and anemia. Symptoms such as inflammation, pain, cough, and rigidity may result from injuries incurred over a life span.

Although physical changes occur in the sexual response cycle, sexuality remains an important part of life for older adults, and sexual intercourse can be a satisfying experience. Research gives no indication of increased health risks involved with having sex as an older adult. In fact, one study showed that those who continued to have sex frequently after the age of 60 had a more active sexual response cycle, had increased hormone flow, reported higher levels of happiness, and indicated living exciting lives.

Social Aspects of Aging