Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.
Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.
A wide spectrum of changes occurs in the human body as we age. Although most
of these changes are not a sign of disease, they can be distressing. Being aware
of these potential bodily changes as an expected part of aging can reduce some
of this distress and anxiety. Some of the common bodily changes of aging are
listed below.
Changes in skin: Skin can become less flexible, thinner, and more
fragile. Skin can also bruise easily. Wrinkles, age spots, and skin tags may
be more prominent. Decreased natural skin oil production can result in more
dry and itchy skin.
Changes in bone, joints, and muscles: Bones typically lose density and
strength and may also shrink in size, thus, making them more prone to
fractures (breaks). Muscle mass generally shrinks, and people become weaker.
As a result of normal wear and tear, joints become inflamed, painful, and
less flexible.
Changes in mobility: Mobility and balance can be affected by aging.
Bone, joint, and muscle changes along with changes in nervous system
contribute to balance problems. Falls can result in further damage with bruises and fractures.
Changes in body shape: As a result of bony changes of aging, body
stature can shrink and back curvature can be lost. Muscle mass is reduced
and fat metabolism is slowed leading to more difficult weight management.
Fat is maintained in the abdominal and buttock areas.
Changes in face: Facial wrinkles and age spots are common and the
overall shape of the face can change. The face can sag and become droopy as
result of volume loss related to shrinkage of bone and fat volume in the
face.
Changes in teeth and gum: Teeth can become weaker and more brittle.
Gums can pull back from the teeth and less saliva is typically produced by
oral glands. As a result dry mouth, tooth decay,
tooth infections,
bad
breath, tooth loss, and gum disease may ensue.
Changes in hair and nails: Hair can become thinner and weaker. Drier
hair can cause more itching and discomfort. Nails can get dry and brittle
and form vertical ridges. Toe nails can also become thick and lose their
natural shape. Nail fungal infections are not uncommon.
Changes in hormones and metabolism: Hormonal changes are commonly
encountered in the elderly. Metabolism of sugar and carbohydrate cab be
altered leading to diabetes. Metabolisms of fat, cholesterol, calcium and
vitamin D are common altered.
The thyroid gland can start to function poorly.
Low levels of sexual hormones can lead to erectile dysfunction and
vaginal
dryness.
Changes in memory: Memory problems are common in seniors. This entails
simple forgetfulness about minor task and does not necessarily constitute
dementia, which is a disease manifested by impaired executive functioning.
Changes in immune system: The body's immune system may become weaker
with age increasing the risk of infections.
Changes in hearing: Changes in nerves of hearing and ear structures
can impair hearing and lead to age-related hearing loss. Typically, higher
frequencies become more difficult to hear.
Changes in vision: The eye may get drier and the lens can lose its
focus. Vision can become blurry and out of focus. Some of these problems can
be modified by wearing glasses and contact lenses.
Changes in smell and taste: Sense of smell and, less commonly, sense
of taste may diminish leading to poor appetite and weight loss.
Changes in bowel and bladder: Bowel and
bladder incontinence
(involuntary loss of feces or urine) are common. Constipation, urinary
frequency, and difficulty initiating urine can be particularly distressing
for seniors.
Changes in sleep: Sleep can significantly change with age.
Duration of
sleep, quality of sleep, and frequent night time awakening are commonly seen
in seniors.
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