Eyes The ageing eye Vision is a complex activity which involves eye function, cognition, reasoning, and memory. With increasing age the chance of visual impairment increases because of: Changes due…

Gastroenterology The ageing gastrointestinal system Teeth Change colour—yellow and less translucent Become worn (enamel does not regenerate) Decreased vascularity and sensitivity of dentine and pulp Caries, periodontitis, and tooth loss…

Musculoskeletal System Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder in older patients causing massive burden of morbidity and dependency. It is not inevitable with ageing. A disorder of…

Incontinence Urinary incontinence: causes ▶Incontinence has a major adverse impact on quality of life and has significant associated morbidity (it may be the last straw leading to institutionalization). Even longstanding…

Endocrinology The ageing endocrine system Ageing and thyroid function Normal thyroid function is preserved in healthy older people. Median TSH levels drift upwards very slowly with age, but remain within…

Psychiatry Cognitive ageing Cognitive, or thinking, ability is the product of: ‘Fixed intelligence’, the result of previous thinking, which often increases with age, ie ‘wisdom’ ‘Fluid intelligence’, ie real-time information…

Pressure Injuries Pressure sores Areas of skin necrosis due to pressure-induced ischaemia found on sacrum, heels, over greater trochanters, shoulders, etc. Also known as decubitus ulcers or bedsores. Incidence higher…

Renal medicine The ageing kidney Kidney function tends to decline with age, but unless there is additional disease, function is usually sufficient to remove waste and to regulate volume and…

Haematology The ageing haematopoietic system There are very few changes as the bone marrow ages. Be very reluctant to ascribe changes seen on testing to age alone—pathology is much more…

Chest Medicine The ageing lung Most of the functional impairment of the lungs that is seen in older people is due to disease, often smoking-related. Intrinsic ageing leads only to…