Physiological Changes With Aging
Muscle
Aging: Muscle power decreases by 3.5% per year and muscle strength decreases by 1.4% to 2.5% per year after the age of 60 years
Immobility: Loss of 1% to 3% strength per day
Gait (Decline in speed)
Decline of 0.2% per year up to age 63 years and 1.6% per year after 63 years
Typically increased double limb support, slower speed, shorter stride length, and broader base of support
Bone
Age plays a role in the rate of bone turnover
Osteoporosis: t-score < -2.5
Osteopenia: t-score between -1.0 and -2.5
Cardiovascular
With aging
Left ventricular hypertrophy
Increased systolic blood pressure
Decreased
Arterial compliance
Baroreceptor sensitivity
Sinoatrial node automaticity
With immobility
