Abstract
GENERAL PURPOSE: To provide information about changes associated with aging skin and the implications for wound care practitioners.
TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:
1. Describe proposed biologic theories of aging and the biology of aging skin.
2. Discuss the clinical consequences of aging skin and the implications for wound care practitioners.
ABSTRACT: Aging is a complex phenomenon manifested by macromolecular damage, adverse changes to the genome, blunted immunologic function, alterations in body composition, and decreased adaptation to stress. Understanding the changes that skin undergoes with age is essential for wound care practitioners. Accordingly, this article will introduce the reader to theories of aging, the biologic changes associated with aging skin, and clinical considerations for the wound care practitioner, including the concepts of skin failure, Skin Changes At Life's End, and frailty.