Physiological Changes of AgeingCOURSE OVERVIEW: Welcome to the Physiological Changes of Ageing course. This program examines how the human body changes structurally and functionally over time, why these changes occur, and how they influence physical, cognitive, and sensory wellbeing. You will explore the normal ageing process across all major body systems, recognise age related patterns, and understand how these changes affect daily functioning, health risks, and quality of life in

COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Physiological Changes of Ageing course. This program examines how the human body changes structurally and functionally over time, why these changes occur, and how they influence physical, cognitive, and sensory wellbeing. You will explore the normal ageing process across all major body systems, recognise age-related patterns, and understand how these changes affect daily functioning, health risks, and quality of life in older adults. This course provides a broad foundation for students, carers, and professionals who work with ageing populations.

This course begins by exploring the physiological changes associated with age and how ageing affects key sensory systems, including vision, hearing, vestibular function, taste, and smell. You will examine how age-related visual decline influences depth perception and light sensitivity, how hearing changes contribute to communication challenges, and how reduced vestibular function affects balance. This section also reviews the progressive decline in taste and smell sensitivity and its effects on nutrition, safety, and enjoyment of food.

The next learning area focuses on the gastrointestinal system and related structures, including the effects of age on the mouth, swallowing, digestion, liver function, and kidney function. You will learn how reduced saliva production affects oral health, how swallowing efficiency changes, and how digestive processes slow with age. This section also explores how liver metabolism decreases, how kidney filtration declines, and how these changes influence medication management and general health in older adults.

A further part of the program examines ageing of the skin and the musculoskeletal system. You will explore how skin becomes thinner and less elastic, how bone density decreases, and how skeletal muscles lose strength and endurance. This section also addresses the decline in flexibility and joint mobility, the implications for daily activities, and the importance of supportive movement habits in reducing falls, pain, and functional limitations.

The course then explores the nervous system and cognitive changes, including how ageing affects nerve conduction, reflexes, and overall neurological functioning. You will examine expected changes in cognition, sleep patterns, and memory, and the difference between normal ageing and pathological cognitive decline. This section highlights how sleep architecture shifts with age and how memory abilities evolve across the lifespan.

The final learning area focuses on the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and immune systems. You will explore how ageing affects heart function, blood vessels, and circulation, as well as changes in the chest wall and lung capacity that influence breathing. This section also examines how hormone production shifts with age and how the immune system becomes less responsive, increasing vulnerability to infections and slowing recovery.

By the end of this course you will be able to explain the major physiological changes associated with ageing, recognise their functional implications, and apply this knowledge to support health, wellbeing, and independence for older adults.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand:

• The physiological changes associated with age
• The age effect on vision
• The age effect on hearing and the vestibular function
• The age effect on taste and smell
• The age effect on the gastrointestinal system
• The age effect on the mouth
• The age effect on swallowing
• The age effect on digestion
• The age effect on the liver
• The age effect on the kidney
• The age effect on the skin
• The age effect on the musculoskeletal system
• The age effect on the skeletal muscle function
• The age effect on flexibility
• The age effect on the nervous system
• The age effect on cognition
• The age effect on sleep
• The age effect on the memory
• The age effect on the cardiovascular system
• The age effect on the respiratory system
• The age effect on the chest wall
• The age effect on the lung
• The age effect on the endocrine system
• The age effect on the immune system

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.