Kelly J Wilson I

4140880602 Assessment Activity Aged Care

Task: Identify two (2) changes that occurs in each of the following
• Head & Neck
• Senses
• Cardiovascular System
• Gastrointestinal System
• Musculoskeletal System
• Neurological System

ANS: During the process of ageing the body goes through a lot of changes
physically, mentally, and cognitively.

Gastrointestinal
• The chewing action is slowed or become more difficult and is prone to
choking.
• The absorption of vitamin B12 can become faulty as there is little stomach
acid.

Head & Neck

• A reduction in neck rotation this can affect visual field and alter spatial
perception.
• Onset of Parkinson’s and later Cerebral Palsy can develop Myasthenia
Gravis.

Senses
• Vertical and peripheral areas can be affected by the muscle contractions of
the visual fields.
• Overtime Presbycusis can develop which is a loss of hearing of the high
tones.

Musculoskeletal System
• Joints can have a reduced range in movement as the cognitive tissue
around the joint becomes dense and inviting of arthritic changes thus
making it difficult for the person to move about.
• The muscle fibres begin to waste as they shorten during the ageing
process.

Cardiovascular System
• The heart valves thicken becoming rigid from sclerosis and fibrosis, this
results from reduced amount of oxygen in the vascular system and a rise in
the systolic blood pressure.
• Arrhythmias can be an cause of transient cerebral dysfunction and syncope
causing falls.

Neurological System

Kelly J Wilson -I-

37850636.doc Page I of 2
Kelly J Wilson II
4140880602 Assessment Activity Aged Care

• Messages take a longer time to travel along the nerves to the muscles and
the muscles take a little longer to react to them.
• There is a decreased perception of pain and a increased reaction time.

References

The Bremer Institute of TAFE, Queensland (2000). Learning Guide for Studies in
Community Work, Provide support to an older person, CHCAC1C. Pages sighted 16 –
21.

Grealy, James RN., McMullen, Helen BSc., Grealy, Julia RN., (Oct 2004). Everyday
Dementia Care: Practical photographic guide. Melbourne: Big Kidz Pty Ltd. ISBN 0-
9756844-1-8. cited 12/05/2008 Pages Sighted: Ssection 1.0 page 8

Kelly J Wilson - II -
37850636.doc Page II of 2