Physiological Changes in

Geriatric Patients
As we age, our bodies undergo several physiologic changes. Understanding these
changes is critical for providing optimal care for geriatric patients.
Cardiovascular Changes
Vascular Disease
The elasticity of blood vessels
decreases, leading to an increased
risk of hypertension,
atherosclerosis, and other vascular
diseases.
Arrhythmia
The cardiac conduction system
degenerates, increasing the risk of
arrhythmias, bradycardia, and other
cardiac conditions.
Heart Attack and Stroke
Risk of heart attack and stroke
increases with age due to
accumulation of atherosclerotic
plaques and other vascular changes.
Changes in Skin
1 Wrinkles and Sagging Skin

The skin becomes less elastic, thinner, and drier, resulting in wrinkles and sagging skin.

2 Pigment Changes

The production of melanin decreases, leading to age spots, hyperpigmentation, and

other pigment changes.

3 Dry and Itchy Skin

The sebaceous glands produce less oil, leading to dry, itchy skin and an increased risk
of skin infections.

4 Skin Tears

Reduced collagen and elastin in the skin increases the risk of skin tears and bruising.
Musculoskeletal Changes

1 Sarcopenia

The loss of muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia, is a common problem in older adults.

2 Joint Problems

Joints become stiffer and less flexible, leading to arthritis, reduced range of motion, and pain.

3 Osteoporosis

Bones become weaker and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures and falls.
Gastrointestinal Changes
Constipation Reduced Appetite Dentition

The digestive system slows The sense of taste and smell Dental problems become more
down, leading to constipation decline, and appetite is common, making it harder to
and other bowel problems. reduced, leading to weight loss chew and digest food.
and malnutrition.
Metabolic Changes
Increased Insulin Resistance

The body becomes less responsive to insulin,

increasing the risk of diabetes and other metabolic
disorders.

1 2 3

Reduced Metabolism Altered Fat Distribution

The metabolism slows down, resulting in reduced Fat accumulates in different parts of the body,
ability to burn calories and an increased risk of including the abdomen, leading to an increased risk
obesity. of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.
Urinary Changes

Incontinence Impaired Renal Function Prostate Enlargement

The bladder muscles weaken, Kidney function declines with age, The prostate gland may become
leading to urinary incontinence and resulting in an increased risk of enlarged, leading to urinary
an increased risk of UTIs. kidney disease and other related problems and an increased risk of
conditions. prostate cancer.
Respiratory Changes
1 Reduced Lung
Capacity
Lung capacity decreases
with age, leading to
shortness of breath and an
increased risk of respiratory
infections.
2 Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease
(COPD)
Cigarette smoking and other
environmental factors
increase the risk of COPD
and other lung diseases.
3 Sleep Apnea
Age-related changes in the
throat and airways increase
the risk of obstructive sleep
apnea.
Sensory Changes
Hearing Loss Vision Changes
Hearing loss and tinnitus Presbyopia, cataracts, and
become more common with macular degeneration can result
age. in reduced vision and an
increased risk of falls and other
accidents.
Smell and Taste
Changes
The sense of smell and taste
decline, leading to reduced
appetite and enjoyment of food
and other activities.
Hepatic Changes
Liver Diseases

Chronic viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and

other liver diseases become more common with age.

1 2 3

Reduced Liver Function Jaundice

The liver becomes less efficient at metabolizing Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, may
drugs and toxins, increasing the risk of adverse drug occur due to impaired liver function.
reactions and other problems.