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Effects of Aging and Causes of
Death
CAUSES OF DEATH
(Based on 1996 Data)
| Rank |
Disease |
Incidence |
| 1. |
Heart Disease |
733,834 |
| 2. |
C |
544,278 |
| 3. |
Stroke |
160,431 |
| 4. |
Lung Disease |
106,146 |
| 5. |
Accidents |
93,874 |
| 6. |
Pneumonia/Influenza |
82,579 |
| 7. |
Diabetes |
61,559 |
| 8. |
HIV Infection |
32,655 |
| 9. |
Suicide |
30,862 |
| 10. |
Liver Disease |
25,135 |
Heart Disease
The most common disease of aging is atherosclerosis - clogging of the
arteries due to excessive build-up of fat known as plaque. Excess free radicals
transform good cholesterol into bad cholesterol. The heart has to work harder
due to decreased blood supply from plaque buildup in the artery walls. This
buildup leads to heart attacks and takes many years to reach that point.
Stroke
1/4 of the blood pumped through the heart goes to the brain. When this blood
flow is restricted the result is a stroke. The implications of stroke are severe
- death or physical limitations effecting speech, mobility, and sight.
C
Most cells have the potential to mutate into cous cells, which will
eventually grow into tumors. There are basically five types of c:
- carcinomas which attack
internal organs and skin
- rare and deadly sarcomas which
develop in connective and muscle tissue and attack the musculoskeletal and
lymph systems.
- myelomas originate in plasma
cells and destroy bone marrow.
- lymphomas attack the lymphatic
system such as Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- leukemias produce an
overabundance of white blood cells instead of tumors and begin in lymph node
tissue, the spleen and bone marrow.
Brain
The brain shrinks gradually as we age by as much as 10%. Disorders such as
Alzheimer's disease and other dementia lead to major cognitive deterioration.
The Endocrine System
The endocrine system is responsible for the production of hormones and
directly effect most cell activity in the body. Hormones that deteriorate with
age include insulin, growth hormones, thyroid hormones, DHEA, melatonin,
testosterone, estrogen, androgens and aldosterone. Hormone replacement as well
as dietary changes can help this decrease immensely.
The Immune System
The thymus gland is responsible for regulating T-cells. Since this gland
shrinks as we age the implications can be dramatic. When the immune system
begins to attack itself such diseases as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and
multiple sclerosis can occur. Coupled with the ultimate weakening of the body
this becomes a tremendous burden for the immune system to bear.
The Musculoskeletal System
Many people think that arthritis and osteoporosis are a part of aging.
Osteoporosis is the loss of bone tissue or density making bones weak.
Osteoporosis can strike men as well as women. There are two types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis happens when the smooth cartilage of the joints connecting bones
wears out and swells. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The immune
system erroneously sees its own damaged joint surface cells as the enemy and
attacks them. Swelling increases and the joint is then destroyed.
Unused muscle turns to fat.
Although this is unpleasant in appearance it also affects internal organ
function. Muscle tone is needed to breathe deeply and for urination and
defecation.
The Lungs
The respiratory system weakens in the latter stages of life. Elasticity of
tissue decreases over the years making oxygen intake and expelling carbon
dioxide more difficult. Reduced lung capacity causes fatigue, anxiety, and
shortness of breath.
The Skin and Hair
Most wrinkles and dryness of skin are caused by exposure to the sun and from
free radicals. This leads to a loss in collagin and an increase of elastin.
Sweat glands may also become damaged over time making an elderly person perspire
less. Loss of nerve cells makes an elderly person less sensitive to pain and
wounds take longer to heal.
Most body hair decreases with
age. However, many experience unwanted hair growth such as in the nostrils,
ears, and thickening eyebrows. Hair also loses its natural color, turning gray
or white.
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