EXPORT CITATION

Chapter-02 Physiological Response to Aging

BOOK TITLE: Principles of Geriatric Physiotherapy

Author
1. Multani Narinder Kaur
2. Verma Satish Kumar
ISBN
9788184481051
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/10676_2
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2007
Pages
15
Author Affiliations
1. Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab
2. Dean Research, Dean Faculty of Medicine, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) and Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital, New Delhi, India
Chapter keywords

Abstract

Normal aging is an artificial concept which describes physiologic changes that occur with advancing age. Many researchers have tried to find out the cause of aging. Two kinds of theories have been postulated to explain why aging occurs: (1) Theories of aging based on intrinsic factors and (2) Theories of aging based on extrinsic factors. A sound knowledge of features of normal aging provides a baseline against which a thorough evaluation of elderly patients can be carried out. The features of normal aging, however, differ from one physiologic system to another; hence they should be discussed system wise. Accordingly, in this chapter Physiological response to various systems such as musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, pulmonary function, nervous system, special senses, vestibular system and other systems has been discussed briefly. However, aging is not that simple; it is rather far too complex and probably does not have a single cause. No matter how complex, physical therapist should use this existing knowledge of aging process to understand thoroughly how to help elderly achieve functional independence.

© 2019 Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.   |   All Rights Reserved