Answer to Question 1
Height remains fairly stable until one enters their 50s. Between the 50s and the 70s, however, men tend to lose about one inch in height and women about two inches. This height loss is usually attributed to (a) compression of the spine from loss of bone strength, (b) changes in the discs between the vertebrae in the spine, and (c) changes in posture. Height loss of more than 3 cm is associated with increased risk of dying from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Answer to Question 2
The skin of older adults becomes naturally thinner and drier. This makes it less able to regulate hot or cold temperatures. This also makes the skin more susceptible to cuts, bruises, and blisters. The skin coloring of light-skinned people undergoes further changes in that the number of pigment-containing cells in the outer layer decreases and those cells that remain have less pigment overall. This results in even lighter skin. Age spots and moles appear more often, and knotty bluish irregularities in blood vessels, known as varicose veins, may appear. Varicose veins tend to appear on the legs.
Two women having a conversation using American Sign Language.
Two main types of nerve cells.
Healthier choices can be made when time is taken to read a nutrition label.
The Status of Women
The Geologic Time Scale
Adult height