Touch: what happens to the ability to feel light touch, pain, or different temperatures with aging?

Touch: what happens to the ability to feel light touch, pain, or different temperatures with aging?

• A. Increase sensitivity
• B. Decrease sensitivity
• C. Unchanged
• D. Random fluctuations

Answer: (B)

As people age, the somatosensory system tends to become less responsive. The skin's receptors and the nerves that carry touch, pain, and temperature signals decrease in number and function, and nerve conduction slows. Mechanoreceptors that detect light touch decline, and thermoreceptors and nociceptors become less sensitive as well. These combined changes mean older adults typically have a reduced ability to feel light touch, pain, and temperature differences. Individual experiences vary, but the overall pattern is decreased sensitivity, which is why this option best fits aging. This reduced sensation can increase the risk of unnoticed injuries or burns, so safety and regular checks become especially important.

As people age, the somatosensory system tends to become less responsive. The skin's receptors and the nerves that carry touch, pain, and temperature signals decrease in number and function, and nerve conduction slows. Mechanoreceptors that detect light touch decline, and thermoreceptors and nociceptors become less sensitive as well. These combined changes mean older adults typically have a reduced ability to feel light touch, pain, and temperature differences. Individual experiences vary, but the overall pattern is decreased sensitivity, which is why this option best fits aging. This reduced sensation can increase the risk of unnoticed injuries or burns, so safety and regular checks become especially important.