Aging As A Normal Biological Environment Process

Aging as a normal biological environment process

Introduction

It is said that aging is a process of a normal biological environment, since it is a natural process and produces physical-biological, psychic, functional and social changes;also affecting the different organs. The aging of maturity, leading to a progressive decline of the different biological functions and ending with death.

There are two types of aging:

1. Physiological: modification of the structure and organic function to response from a wear produced over time.
2. Pathophysiological: in its deterioration diseases and other environmental factors are added.

In these aging processes, life habits such as diet are involved, making importance to nutrition that is a key element for these factors.

Developing

It is believed that this stage of aging is produced by genetic, environmental factors, diets, physical activation, diseases suffered, among other factors. Cells notice changes in the aging process, such as their size and for this consequence they lose the ability to divide and also reproduce. Connective tissue loses flexibility, fibroblasts decrease and collagen increases. In cell membranes its ability to receive nutrients and to eliminate carbon dioxide and metabolic waste is difficult. Atrophy occurs in most organs and consequently the individual’s weight is reduced.

Some physiological changes that determine nutritional needs in the elderly 

Body composition

1. Loss of muscle mass
2. Increase of fatty % and total mass
3. Bone mass loss
4. Decrease in body water
5. Loss of muscle mass
6. Increase of fatty % and total mass
7. Bone mass loss
8. Decrease in body water

Metabolic changes

1. Decrease in energy needs
2. Decrease in physical activity
3. Decrease in energy needs
4. Decrease in physical activity

Changes in the digestive system

• Mouth

1. Loss of dental pieces.
2. Gum weakness.

• Esophagus

1. Decreased lower esophageal sphincter pressure.

• Stomach

1. Gastric emptying delay
2. Atrophic gastritis

• Small intestine

1. Poor calcium absorption and vit. B12

• Large intestine

1. Slower intestinal transit
2. Increase in diverticula
3. Colon wall deformity

• Gallbladder

1. Contractility delay

Justification

Aging processes produce important modifications in the functioning of the digestive system and metabolic activity. The changes influence nutritional needs, and make an adaptation of food contributions necessary to facilitate the assimilation of these. The elderly suffers from pathologies that falls in several ways on nutritional status. On the one hand, nutritional needs can be modified or, they can induce deterioration or alteration in the ability to digest, absorb and metabolize nutrients.

Conclusions

Malnutrition is a frequent problem in the elderly, in addition to the physiological factors linked to aging processes. Maintaining a good state of nutrition with the increase in adequate physical activity to its different cases, they are key elements for a better health state in the elderly.

Bibliography

• Caballero Garcia, J. C., & Benítez Rivero, J. (s.