Physiology of ageing

Abstract 

The impact that ageing has on organisms is a complex interaction between the processes of ageing at a cellular, organ and integrated systems level, and the effects of environmental factors such as nutrition, infection and trauma. Recovery from an insult that triggers a pathological response is never complete. The incremental fall in possible performance is part of the progressive diversity in ‘physiology’ that is the true hallmark of ageing. In this article we will outline some of the physiological changes, particularly cardiorespiratory, associated with the ageing process that will be of relevance to anaesthesia.

Keywords: Ageing, anaesthesia, cardiorespiratory, exercise, physiology, temperature