PHYSIOLOGIC CHANGES OF AGING PER SYSTEM
SYSTEM:
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Subjective & Objective Findings
Subjective Findings:
● Shortness of breath
during physical activity.
● Increased coughing or
production of mucus.
● Reduced tolerance for
respiratory infections.
Objective Findings:
● Decreased lung function
as measured by
spirometry.
● Increased susceptibility
to respiratory infections.
● Reduced exercise
tolerance.
Subjective Findings:
● Fatigue, especially
during physical exertion.
● Chest pain or discomfort
(angina).
● Shortness of breath,
especially with exertion.
Objective Findings:
Health Promotion Strategies
● Encourage regular
exercise to maintain
lung function.
● Promote vaccinations,
such as flu and
pneumonia vaccines.
● Emphasize smoking
cessation to reduce
respiratory risk.
● Advocate for a
heart-healthy diet rich
in fruits, vegetables, and
whole grains.
● Encourage regular
physical activity.
● Emphasize medication
adherence for those
with hypertension or
 other cardiovascular
● High blood pressure. conditions.
● Abnormal cholesterol
levels.
● Irregular heart rhythms
(arrhythmias).

GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM Subjective Findings: ● Promote a high-fiber

diet for regular bowel
● Changes in bowel movements.
habits, such as ● Ensure adequate
constipation or hydration to prevent
diarrhea. constipation.
● Abdominal discomfort ● Encourage balanced
or pain. nutrition and dietary
● Difficulty swallowing supplements when
(dysphagia). necessary.

Objective Findings:

● Malabsorption of
nutrients leading to
nutritional deficiencies.
● Gastrointestinal
bleeding, anemia, or
weight changes.
● Altered bowel sounds
and abdominal
tenderness.

RENAL SYSTEM Subjective Findings: ● Advocate for adequate

fluid intake.
 ● Changes in urination ● Promote a
patterns, such as well-balanced diet to
frequency or urgency. support kidney function.
● Fluid retention and ● Manage hypertension
swelling, especially in and diabetes, which can
the legs. affect renal health.
● Increased susceptibility
to urinary tract
infections.

Objective Findings:

● Elevated serum
creatinine indicating
reduced kidney
function.
● Proteinuria, a sign of
kidney damage.
● Electrolyte imbalances.

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Subjective Findings: ● Discuss hormone

replacement therapy
● Menopausal symptoms when appropriate.
in women (e.g., hot ● Promote a healthy
flashes, mood swings). lifestyle with balanced
● Sexual dysfunction or nutrition and regular
changes in libido in both exercise.
men and women. ● Encourage open
communication about
Objective Findings: sexual health and
emotional well-being.
 ● Changes in hormone
levels (e.g., estrogen,
testosterone).
● Signs of menopause or
andropause.

NEUROLOGICAL SYSTEM ● Your brain and spinal Mental and physical exercise can
cord help your brain stay sharp.
● lose nerve cells and Mental exercises include:
weight (atrophy). crossword stimulating
● Nerve cells may begin conversation and physical
passing messages more exercise which promotes blood
slowly than in the past. flow to your brain. It also helps
● Waste products or other reduce loss of brain reading.
chemicals such as beta
amyloid can collect in
the brain tissue as nerve
cells break down. This
can cause abnormal
changes in the brain
called plaques and
tangles to form.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM Subjective Findings: ● Encourage strength
training, weight-bearing
● Muscle weakness and exercises, and flexibility
reduced mobility. activities.
● Joint pain and stiffness. ● Promote a balanced
● Balance and diet, proper hydration,
coordination issues. and good posture.
● Emphasize fall
Objective Findings: prevention and regular
 ● Decreased muscle mass
and limited joint
mobility.
● Changes in body
composition (e.g.,
increased body fat).
IMMUNE SYSTEM Subjective Findings:
● Increased susceptibility
to infections.
● Prolonged recovery
from illnesses.
● Reduced response to
vaccines.
Objective Findings:
● Changes in white blood
cell counts and immune
parameters.
● Increased incidence of
infections.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM Subjective Findings:
● Hormone-related
symptoms (e.g., hot
flashes, mood swings).
● Changes in blood sugar
levels.
● Weight changes and
metabolic concerns.
check-ups for
musculoskeletal health.
● Encourage vaccination
to reduce the risk of
infections.
● Promote a healthy
lifestyle with a balanced
diet, exercise, and stress
management.
● Regularly monitor
overall health and
immune function
through check-ups.
● Offer hormone
replacement therapy
when appropriate.
● Promote a balanced
diet, regular exercise,
and stress management.
● Provide resources for
managing finances and
planning for retirement.
 Objective Findings:

● Changes in hormone
levels (e.g., insulin,
thyroid hormones).
● Altered body
composition and
metabolic markers.

SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL Subjective Findings: ● Encourage emotional

CHANGES
Changes in emotional
well-being, including mood
swings and anxiety.
Cognitive changes and concerns
about memory.
Adjustments to social roles and
relationships.
Objective Findings:
expression and offer
mental health support.
● Promote cognitive
engagement through
brain-stimulating
activities.
● Provide resources and
support for navigating
social changes and role
transitions.

Variability in emotional health,

cognitive abilities, and social
interactions.