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Q: Human healing ( Answered 4 out of 5 stars,   0 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Human healing
Category: Science > Biology
Asked by: motojoe-ga
List Price: $5.00
Posted: 25 Oct 2005 06:59 PDT
Expires: 24 Nov 2005 05:59 PST
Question ID: 584639
Does the human body "heal" just as fast at 21 as it does at 91?  I
know "heal" is a general term but it can also mean post sugery or
accedental injuries.
Thanks, Joe
Answer  
Subject: Re: Human healing
Answered By: politicalguru-ga on 25 Oct 2005 08:02 PDT
Rated:4 out of 5 stars
 
Dear Motojoe, 

The answer is no. Older people generally and usually heal slower than
younger people.

"Besides slightly decreased immunity, aging also affects inflammation
and wound healing. Many older people heal slower and have more
problems with healing. This may be directly related to changes in the
immune system, or it may be a consequence of other problems such as
diabetes or arteriosclerosis." (SOURCE: "Aging changes in immunity",
<http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/004008.htm>).

"Children's fractures heal much faster and more perfectly than adult
fractures do. Several years after most fractures in children, the bone
can look almost normal on x-ray. In addition, children develop less
stiffness with cast treatment and are more likely to regain normal
motion if a fracture involves a joint.

Healing in older people is often slower than in younger adults.
Fractures significantly impair an older person's ability to perform
normal daily activities. Diminished strength, flexibility, and balance
can impair a person's independence in eating, dressing, bathing, and
even walking (if the person is dependent on a walker). Nonuse of
muscles can lead to stiffness, weakness, and further impairment. "
(SOURCE: "Introduction", Merck Manual, Fractures,
<http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec05/ch062/ch062a.html>).

I hope this answers your question. Please contact me if you need any
clarification on this answer before you rate it.

Request for Answer Clarification by motojoe-ga on 26 Oct 2005 07:56 PDT
What about wound healing.  Anything on how much slower older people
heal?  For example would one even notice the differance in how long an
odler person takes to heal a wound?
Thanks, Joe

Clarification of Answer by politicalguru-ga on 26 Oct 2005 11:33 PDT
Unfortunately, this also usually takes more time with older patients. 

"The physiological changes that occur with ageing place the older
patient at higher risk of poor wound healing. Reduced skin elasticity
and collagen replacement influence healing. The immune system also
declines with age making older patients more susceptible to infection.
Older people can also present with other chronic diseases, which
affect their circulation and oxygenation to the wound bed."
(SOURCE: "Factors Affecting Wound Healing",
<http://www.edu.rcsed.ac.uk/Wound%20Management/Factors%20Affecting%20Wound%20Healing.htm>).

Thank you for the tip!
motojoe-ga rated this answer:4 out of 5 stars and gave an additional tip of: $5.00
What about wound healing.  Anything on how much slower older people
heal?  For example would one even notice the differance in how long an
odler person takes to heal a wound?
Thanks, Joe

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