Normal Changes of Ageing course for GPs

Ageing is a gradual series of changes over time that leads to the loss of function of organs and cells, with the eventual outcome of death. This is a natural process and not a medical condition to be treated. This session looks at the normal changes of ageing. This session was reviewed by Louise Newson and last updated in November 2014.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Explain the theories of ageing
• Describe the normal changes of ageing
• Relate these changes to the adaptations that an older person makes, and to the breakdown of those adaptations
• Describe the changes in the normal range of laboratory values that are found in older people

There are many differences between old and young people. Ageing, in the sense of senescence, is a progressive loss of the adaptability of an organism as time passes.