Physiology And Injuries In Sports — Physical Education STD 12 Commerce — Question
CBSE BoardEnglish MediumSTD 12 CommercePhysical EducationPhysiology And Injuries In Sports5 Marks
Question
Elucidate any five physiological changes due to ageing.
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Answer
The major physiological changes due to ageing are stated below:
Changes in Muscle Size and Strength: When an individual gets older, there is a decline in muscle size. There is a decrease in muscle mass and increase in over all body fat. Due to decrease in muscle size, the strength of the muscles also decreases. The decrease in strength gradually occurs during the age of 35 to 45 years. However, even at the age of 60 the decrease in strength does not appear to Exceed 20% of an individual's maximum strength.
Changes in Metabolism and Body Composition: With advancement of age, our body needs less energy and the metabolism slows down. Consequently, there is an increase in the accumulation of body fat and therefore the lean body weight (bones, ligaments, tissues, tendons, muscles and water) decreases. The metabolic rate decreases gradually with the increasing age. It also results in more accumulation of body fat.
Changes in Bone Density: With the advancement of age, the bone density decreases. It means that the elderly people especially those over 40 years of age, are more prone to bone injury than young people. In fact, it is due to decrease in various minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, found in the bones. Bones become less dense and more porous. The decreasing process of these minerals begins in the early 40's. Less bone density can result in osteoporosis and reduction of weight bearing capacity which may lead to fracture. There can be reduction in height due to the thinning of vertebrae.
Changes in Respiratory System: A number of research studies show that pulmonary function is impaired with advancing age. The airways and lung tissues become less elastic. They become less efficient. There is decreased oxygen uptake and oxygen exchange. The muscles of the ribcage become weak. Hence, the ability to breathe deeply is reduced. Pulmonary oxygen is reduced which leads to decreased endurance with shortness of breath and fatigue. It can be said that tidal volume, vital capacity, lung capacity are decreased, whereas, residual volume is increased.
Changes in Cardiovascular System: With advancing age, there is a progressive decrease in cardiac muscle strength. The stroke volume, cardiac output and blood flow are all decreased with age. Blood vessels also lose their elasticity. They become more and more rigid. Systolic blood pressure also increases with age. The reduced blood flow results in reduced endurance. There is less nourishment to cells of body. Heart valves become less flexible.
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