In our last issue, we discussed anatomy, physiology and the biology behind how we grow old. In this issue, we will discuss organ-related dysfunctions in the elderly as well as other aspects of aging.

    When we see a frail old person walking slowly and carefully on the road apprehensive that he might fall and, in all probability, he might sustain a fracture in that situation, we fail to appreciate that certain changes have happened to his organs that compel him to be extra-cautious. In the background, his vision has also become weak and he also has impaired hearing, both of which make him more vulnerable. So, let us see the changes that happen with aging and what are the clinical effects.

    With aging, there is cochlear degeneration in the inner ears which results in hearing loss known as Presbyacusis. There is defective vision known as Presbyopia as the lens in the eyes becomes increasingly rigid and over time it may....