Age-related changes in the skin may result from the aging process itself or from cumulative environmental effects, such as exposure to sunlight. The skin of older persons gradually thins, becomes drier, becomes less elastic, and becomes more wrinkled. Some areas of skin have decreased blood supply. Older skin takes longer to heal. Older persons have decreasing numbers of sweat glands and nerve endings in the skin.

Sunlight is a major cause of skin changes we think of as aging--changes like wrinkling, looseness, leathery-dryness, blotchiness, various growths, yellowing, or pebbly texture. One-third of all adults sunbathe even though they know that sunlight can hurt their skin.

Hair gradually turns gray with age. General hair loss normally occurs in both sexes with age. By their 70s, 80 percent of men are substantially bald. Excessive hair can also occur. In older women, excessive hair is most often seen in facial areas. Older men may have increased hair in the eyebrows, nostrils, or ears.

Implications for Older Adults

Older persons can experience a declining sense of touch, reduced sensitivity to vibration and may have a decreased ability to detect pain. This may make it difficult to distinguish textures and objects. It also makes people more likely to suffer a severe burn or cut before noticing discomfort.

Declining Senses Simulations

References and Further Resources on Aging Skin & Hair

Web Sites

American Academy of Dermatology

Articles & Reports

Barbara A. Gilchrest; Noel Chiu. (2000). Chapter 122. Aging and the Skin. Merck Manual of Geriatrics.
http://www.merck.com/pubs/mm_geriatrics/sec15/ch122.htm

Gerstein, A.D., Phillips, T.J & Rogers G.S. (1993), Wound Healing and Aging. Dermatologic Clinics, 11(4): 749-57.

National Institute on Aging. (1996). Age Page. Skin Care and Aging. Washington, DC: National Institute on Aging.
http://www.nih.gov/nia/health/agepages/skin.htm

 

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