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Fundamentals: Gerontology Questions and
Answers Latest Update
What are the common changes associated with aging? Ans: Loss of work
role/interactions with coworkers related to retirement.
Loss of loved ones.
Loss of independence.
Financial constraints.
Increased risk of social isolation, depression, and suicide.
What are the changes in the respiratory system associated with aging? Ans:
Decreased lung capacity/elasticity and weaker respiratory muscles.
Increased anterior-posterior chest diameter.
Decreased cough reflex.
Increased risk of respiratory infections and abnormal breathing patterns.
What are the changes in the cardiovascular system associated with aging?
Ans: Decreased heart muscle efficiency and strength causing decreased
cardiac output.
Incomplete valve closure causing increased risk of murmurs.
Stiffening/calcification of blood vessels leading to atherosclerosis.
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
Increase systolic blood pressure and increased risk of orthostatic
hypotension.
What are the changes in the nervous system associated with aging? Ans:
Cerebral atrophy and decreased cerebral blood flow.
Decreased reflexes and delayed reaction time.
Decreased senses.
Decrease quality/quantity of sleep.
Increased risk for chronic pain.
Dementia is not an expected part of aging.
What are the changes in the musculoskeletal system associated with aging?
Ans: Decreased bone density causing increased risk of osteoporosis and
fractures.
Increased risk for falls.
Muscle atrophy
Stiffening of joints
Kyphosis
What are the changes in the endocrine system associated with aging? Ans:
Decreased thyroid gland activity causing decreased basal metabolic rate
(BMR).
Decreased insulin release and tissue sensitivity causing increased blood
glucose and risk for diabetes.
© 2025 All rights reserved
Fundamentals: Gerontology Questions and
Answers Latest Update
What are the common changes associated with aging? Ans: Loss of work
role/interactions with coworkers related to retirement.
Loss of loved ones.
Loss of independence.
Financial constraints.
Increased risk of social isolation, depression, and suicide.
What are the changes in the respiratory system associated with aging? Ans:
Decreased lung capacity/elasticity and weaker respiratory muscles.
Increased anterior-posterior chest diameter.
Decreased cough reflex.
Increased risk of respiratory infections and abnormal breathing patterns.
What are the changes in the cardiovascular system associated with aging?
Ans: Decreased heart muscle efficiency and strength causing decreased
cardiac output.
Incomplete valve closure causing increased risk of murmurs.
Stiffening/calcification of blood vessels leading to atherosclerosis.
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
Increase systolic blood pressure and increased risk of orthostatic
hypotension.
What are the changes in the nervous system associated with aging? Ans:
Cerebral atrophy and decreased cerebral blood flow.
Decreased reflexes and delayed reaction time.
Decreased senses.
Decrease quality/quantity of sleep.
Increased risk for chronic pain.
Dementia is not an expected part of aging.
What are the changes in the musculoskeletal system associated with aging?
Ans: Decreased bone density causing increased risk of osteoporosis and
fractures.
Increased risk for falls.
Muscle atrophy
Stiffening of joints
Kyphosis
What are the changes in the endocrine system associated with aging? Ans:
Decreased thyroid gland activity causing decreased basal metabolic rate
(BMR).
Decreased insulin release and tissue sensitivity causing increased blood
glucose and risk for diabetes.
© 2025 All rights reserved
