Understanding the Effects of Ageing on the Human Body

Michael Dunn presents some interesting facts about ageing in his book, The Good Death Guide. At the same time he points out that old age is seldom seen in wild animals. When they fall ill or grow old, they become soft targets for predators. Conversely, humans are living longer lives due to medical advances. Dunn says that even if all disease was done away with, humans would eventually die of old age as their bodies would simply wear out.

The Age at Which Human Abilities Decline

Michael Dunn says that all abilities are at their best at certain ages and start to decline from thereon. Here are some of the facts:

• Hearing is at its best at the age of 10.
• Sight peaks at the age of 20.
• After the age of 30, muscular strength and coordination start to decline.
• Heart and blood vessels lose condition after the age of 40.
• At age 50, learning ability slows and emotions dull.

The Effects of Ageing on a Human Body

Ageing is a gradual process that is often invisible from day to day but noticeable over years and decades. Every part of a person is affected and the following changes can be expected:

• After the age of 30, a person will shrink by one 16th of an inch every year. This is due to the cushioning between the vertebrae thinning.
• Body fat tends to accumulate around the thighs and hips.
• Men lose scalp hairs.
• The skin becomes less elastic.
• Wounds take longer to heal.
• The efficiency of the heart reduces by up to 30%.
• Lung capacity reduces by up to 60%.
• Kidney function reduces by up to 40%.
• The five senses begin to weaken and may eventually fail.
• Memory and thought processes may become confused.

Common Causes of Death in the Elderly

Dunn says that the older people get, the more vulnerable they become to accidents, infection and disease. More genetic complications surface and bodies damaged by years of smoking, poor diets and lack of exercise may succumb to strokes and heart attacks. Here are some of the common ailments that may ultimately cause death in an aged person:

• heart disease
• cancer
• strokes and high blood pressure
• pneumonia
• kidney problems
• diabetes
• emphysema and bronchitis
• Alzheimer's disease
• injuries that become infected

Ultimately, the final cause of death is a lack of oxygen to the brain. This can be caused by all the above and many other conditions. While a person can prolong their life by eating wisely, exercising and living a healthy lifestyle, there is no way to permanently defer the ageing process and death.

Reference :

The Good Death Guide by Michael Dunn, How to Books Ltd, 2000, ISBN 1-85703-559-3