older people’s health issues
Changes in the Body With Aging
Endocrine System
(See also Effects of Aging on the Endocrine System .) The levels and activity of some hormones, produced by endocrine glands, decrease. Growth hormone levels decrease, leading to decreased muscle mass. Aldosterone levels decrease, making dehydration more likely. This hormone signals the body to retain salt and therefore water. Insulin, which helps control the sugar (glucose) level in blood, is less effective, and lessinsulinmay be produced.Insulinenables sugar to move from the blood into cells, where it can be converted to energy. The changes ininsulinmean that the sugar level increases more after a large meal and takes longer to return to normal. increase the risk of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) . Thus, exercise and diet, which can enhance 