Physiological Changes and Functional Ageing

Population ageing is accompanied by profound biological, physiological, clinical, and social changes that influence health, functional capacity, and independence in later life. Although ageing is often associated with chronic disease, frailty, cognitive decline, disability, and multimorbidity, many age-related adverse outcomes can be prevented, delayed, or mitigated through early recognition and targeted intervention.

This webinar, presented by Prof. Reshma Merchant, explores how age-related physiological and pathophysiological changes translate into functional decline and geriatric syndromes. The session discusses biological, phenotypic, and functional ageing, emphasizing why chronological age alone is insufficient for clinical decision-making.

Special attention is given to frailty, sarcopenia, nutrition, physical activity, falls, polypharmacy, cognitive health, social determinants of health, and the role of simple clinical tools such as hand grip strength, gait speed, and the Timed Up and Go test. The webinar also highlights the World Health Organization concept of functional ability and intrinsic capacity as central frameworks for healthy ageing.

By connecting mechanisms of ageing with practical geriatric assessment and preventive strategies, this session provides clinicians with an evidence-based approach to preserving independence, reducing disability, and improving quality of life in older adults.

Provided by International Association of Gerontology & Geriatrics (IAGG) & Federation of Geriatric Education (FGE)

Speakers

• Prof. Reshma Merchant

Learning objectives

• Understand the differences between biological, phenotypic, and functional ageing.
• Explain how age-related physiological changes contribute to frailty, multimorbidity, disability, and geriatric syndromes.
• Recognize the impact of nutrition, physical activity, polypharmacy, falls, cognition, and social determinants on functional status in older adults.
• Identify simple clinical tools used to assess functional reserve and risk of adverse outcomes in geriatric practice.
• Apply function-oriented preventive strategies to support healthy ageing, independence, and quality of life.