The Changes Of Aging In The Human Body

Aging causes changes in the body with or without the presence of disease processes. Tissue elasticity reduces over time and fat replaces space that was once occupied by the muscle (Corbin-Lewis et al., 2005). Similar changes can be seen in the oropharyngeal component during normal aging. With age, the mucosa in the oral cavity becomes more keratinized or fibrous (Corbin-Lewis et al., 2005). The tongue becomes smoother and starts to atrophy. The temporomandibular joint starts to lose range of motion during normal aging and there is a decrease in sensation in the areas of the oral, pharyngeal and laryngeal areas (Corbin-Lewis et al., 2005). Additionally, the larynx becomes calcified and the cartilages become less compliant as individuals age (Corbin-Lewis et al, 2005). Aging in normal, healthy individuals can have specific effects on the stages of the swallow.
These changes include the slowing or decreased movement of the tongue, a reduced strength in mastication muscles, increased oral transit times and the bolus is positioned more posteriorly in the oral cavity (Corbin-Lewis et al., 2005). For the pharyngeal stage, aging results in a swallow response that is triggered lower in the pharynx, delayed anterior movement of the hyoid, progressive pharyngeal contraction is slowed and longer swallowing apnea duration (Corbin-Lewis et al., 2005). The UES opening size decreases and the UES is less flexible with aging(Corbin-Lewis et al.,