Physiological Changes with Ageing and Exercise Benefits
Q1. Elucidate Physiological Changes Due to Ageing?
Ans. The physiological changes that take place are mentioned below:
- Change in Nervous System: During ageing, reaction time and movement time slow down with increasing age. The brain shrinks, the size of its network and its blood flow decreases.
- Change in Gastrointestinal System: With increasing age, there is a reduction in the production of Hydrochloric Acid, Digestive Enzymes, and Saliva. These changes may result in delayed emptying of the stomach and impaired swallowing. The breakdown and absorption of food may also be impaired. The liver becomes less efficient in metabolizing drugs and repairing damaged cells.
- Change in Urinary System: As we age, the mass of the kidney decreases, which leads to a reduction in blood filtration by the kidneys. The capacity of the bladder decreases, and there is an increase in residual urine. This increases the chance of urinary infections.
- The Change in Senses: With advancing age, the senses such as vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch may become less active. Vision and hearing are the most affected by ageing. The taste buds are reduced with age, so individuals lose interest in food.
- Change in Respiratory System: With age, pulmonary function is impaired. The airways and lung tissues become less elastic and less efficient. There is decreased oxygen uptake and oxygen exchange.
Q3. Discuss the Physiological Factors that Determine Flexibility?
Ans.
- Muscle Strength: The muscle should have a minimum level of strength to make the movement, especially against gravity or external force.
- Joint Structure: There are different types of joints in the human body. Some joints intrinsically have a greater range of motion than others. For example, the ball & socket joint of the shoulder has the greatest range of motion in comparison to the knee joint.
- Internal Environment: The internal environment of an athlete influences flexibility. For example, a warm bath increases body temperature and flexibility, whereas a 10-minute stay outside in 10°C temperature reduces body temperature and flexibility.
- Injury: Injuries to connecting tissues and muscles can lead to thickening or fibrosis in the affected area. Fibrous tissues are less elastic and can lead to limb shortening and reduced flexibility.
- Age and Gender: Flexibility decreases with the advancement of age. However, it is trainable and can be enhanced with training, as strength and endurance are enhanced. Gender also determines flexibility. Females tend to be more flexible than males.
- Active and Sedentary Lifestyle: Regular activities enhance flexibility, whereas inactive individuals lose flexibility due to the soft tissues and joints shrinking and losing extensibility.
Q4. Elaborate on the Role of Regular Exercise on the Ageing Process?
Ans.
Regular exercise reduces the risk of age-related diseases. Many aged persons face health problems such as:
- Diabetes, Obesity, Hypertension, and Heart Disease: Regular exercise decreases sugar levels, decreases bad cholesterol, increases good cholesterol, and decreases blood pressure and blood vessel stiffness.
- Increase in Muscular Strength: The ageing process does not hinder an individual’s ability to enhance muscle strength. Regular exercise increases the strength of the muscles. As a matter of fact, exercise increases the size of the muscle, which ultimately increases muscular strength.
- Reduce the Loss of Muscle Mass: Muscle mass decreases with advancing age. Ageing has a negative effect on metabolism. Regular exercise reduces the loss of lean body mass and the drop in metabolic rate. Regular exercise also reduces the accumulation of fats.
- Enhances the Capacity of Lungs and Heart: Regular exercise enhances the working capacity of the lungs and heart. It reduces the loss of elasticity of muscle fibers of the lungs and heart. It also plays a key role in keeping the lungs strong and increasing oxygen uptake and oxygen exchange.
- Maintaining Bone Density: Bone density decreases with age, which usually leads to fractures and osteoporosis. Physical exercise helps to maintain bone mass and stimulate bone growth. Ageing persons can increase their bone density with the help of regular exercise.