Part II: Aging: Body Structures and Body Functions

Section I reviewed the sociocultural factors affecting persons later in life, as well as theoretical considerations. The focus now turns to individuals and to factors affecting healthy aging. Section II will delve into the effects of normal aging on body structures and body function, along with pathologies known to affect the healthy aging process.

The International Classification of Function (World Health Organization, 2020), the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020), and the Profile of Practice (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, 2012) all acknowledge that an individual’s ability to participate fully in life is dependent to some extent on his or her biological and psychological function. A clear understanding of normal and pathological aging is one essential factor in a therapist’s ability to frame effective interventions to support participation in meaningful occupations.

The next seven chapters provide an in-depth review of major body systems, the effect of normal aging on the systems, and pathologies affecting the systems. In addition, assessments and interventions for best practice in occupational therapy will be discussed, along with the role of the multidisciplinary team in addressing the occupational performance of older adults.

Look for the following when reading chapters:

• Changes in the body systems occur in the context of the sociocultural factors described in Chapters 1 through 6.

• Normal aging affects body structures and function. The various systems change to varying degrees for individuals. The reader will analyze factors contributing to changes, including environment, culture, lifestyle, education, genetics, and other factors contributing to changes due to aging.

• While the systems undergo changes due to normal aging, body systems can also be affected by pathologies. The reader will come to understand the differences between normal and pathological aging.

• There are interactions among the systems. Although they are presented here as if these systems function independently, the reality is far more complex. The reader will come to understand how systems are interrelated and the collective impact of these systems on occupational performance.

• And perhaps most important, changes in body systems, whether normal or pathological, alter a person’s ability to participate in meaningful and rewarding occupations. Some individuals are able to find ways to manage change so that valued activities can be continued into very old age. Others struggle to cope with very minor differences in physical, cognitive, or sensory capacity. The reader will learn to assess client and environmental factors contributing to successful modifications and factors that deter adjustment to changes in body systems.