The document summarizes aging and common age-related changes. Life expectancy has increased dramatically over the past centuries, with the average age now in the mid-80s. While neuronal loss is minimal with aging, the brain shrinks leading to reduced capacity in thinking, memory, processing and communication. Common physical health issues in those aged 65 and over include arthritis, heart disease, cancer, pneumonia, falls and related injuries. Additional changes can include sensory decline, slower reactions, weaker immune response and thinner skin. Quality of aging is impacted by various life experiences and socioeconomic factors. Issues around employment, housing, healthcare and relationships are also discussed.

1. Aging intro…
Created and presented by Brenda McCreight Ph.D.

2. Changing life span…
 Up until the 1600’s only 1% of the population reached age 65 - mostly
male and in church hierarchies or government hierarchies
 1800 the average age at death was between 38 and 44
 1900 the average age in industrialized nations was 39 to 47
 2000 the average life span was 71 years (higher in women, lower in men)
– life span increased by 20 years in one century
 Today – mid- 80’s

3. Neurobiology of aging in one short slide…
 There isn’t much neuronal loss – the main loss occurs because the neurons shrink,
not die
 This results in less capacity in the following:
 Frontal lobes- thinking and planning
 Temporal lobe - hearing and memory
 Grey matter – information processing
 White matter – communication

4. Common physical changes…
• The most widespread conditions
affecting those 65 and older include
arthritis, heart disease, stroke,
cancer, pneumonia and the flu.
• Accidents, especially falls that
result in hip fractures, are also
common

5. Common physical changes…
 Heart conditions (hypertension, vascular disease, congestive heart failure, high
blood pressure and coronary artery disease)
 Dementia
 Delirium
 Depression
 Incontinence (urinary and bowel)
 Arthritis

6. More…
 Osteoporosis
 Diabetes
 Breathing problems
 Frequent falls, which can lead to fractures
 Parkinson’s disease
 Sleep problems
 Cancer
 Eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma, Macular Degeneration)
 Weight loss (due to loss of appetite, loss of taste buds, depression, meds)

7. Still more…
 A slowed reaction time, which is especially important when
judging whether a person can safely drive.
 Thinner skin, which can lead to tears or wounds that heal very
slowly.
 A weakened immune system, which can make fighting off
viruses, bacteria and diseases difficult.
 A diminished sense of taste or smell, especially for smokers,
which can lead to diminished appetite and dehydration.

8. Dementias
 Alzheimer’s
 Vascular dementia
 Lewy bodies
 Mixed
 Parkinson’s
 Frontotemporal
 Corticobasal degeneration (not a dementia but symptoms confuse others and
person begins to be treated as if they have dementia) – poor coordination, reduced
movement, cognitive & visual impairment, speech & swallowing problems ---- no
treatment at this time

9. Quality of aging is impacted by…
 Early childhood experiences
 Trauma experiences throughout the life
 Long term lifestyle
 Level of education
 Income
 Ethnicity/race
 Gender
 Quality and number of significant relationships
 Long term health
 Genetics
 Losses/grief

10. Aging issues in Canada…
 Employment (relates to income and debt load – 45% of Canadians over
age 65 still have mortgage payments and other substantial debt)
 Housing – living alone, assisted, co-living
 Health care – general, HIV, trans, poverty, dementia, needs of senior
refugees still not known, substance & alcohol abuse, mental health
 Elder abuse/neglect – financial, emotional, physical, spiritual
 Social and family relationships
 End of life decisions