The Effects of Ageing on Tactile Function in Humans

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Sensory Physiology

Background:

• Aging is associated with declining tactile sensitivity and acuity.
• Pleasant touch perception may increase with age, despite physiological changes.
• Specific mechanisms linking age-related physiological changes to perceptual shifts remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review perceptual and structural changes in the human touch system associated with aging.
• To explore potential physiological mechanisms underlying age-related alterations in touch perception.
• To identify knowledge gaps in understanding the aging touch system.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on age-related changes in skin structure and tactile receptors.
• Analysis of studies on the effects of aging on peripheral and central nervous systems, including nerve fibers and brain function.
• Examination of research linking structural and perceptual changes in the aging touch system.

Main Results:

• Skin elasticity decreases, and tactile receptors change in number and morphology with age.
• Aging impacts the nervous system through demyelination and reduced nerve fiber density, affecting neural signal timing.
• The aging brain exhibits altered blood flow, metabolism, plasticity, and neurotransmitter function, impacting the somatosensory cortex body map.

Conclusions:

• Direct links between structural and perceptual changes in the aging touch system are elusive.
• Further research is needed on age-related changes in hairy skin nerve function.
• The social and emotional dimensions of touch in aging require more investigation.