Why Do Older People Heal More Slowly?

Summary: In this reflective piece, **Matthew Steinhauser, MD, University of Pittsburgh**, explores why aging delays wound healing, using the case of an 83-year-old patient whose minor leg wound took nearly two months to close. The contrast to a child’s quick healing highlights the impact of age.

Key Factors Explained:

• Slowed Recovery Phases: Aging disrupts all three classic healing stages—inflammation, regeneration, and remodeling—making transitions sluggish and less effective.
• Age-Related Diseases: Conditions common in older adults, like diabetes and poor circulation, impair tissue oxygenation and hinder the regenerative stage of healing.
• Cellular Senescence: Aging cells lose their ability to divide, thinning skin and diminishing repair. Senescent cells also produce inflammatory byproducts that further delay healing.
• Systemic Impact: These impaired mechanisms are not limited to skin but affect healing across all tissues, with senescent inflammation often compounding injury recovery.

🔗 Read the full article on Wound Care Advisor

Keywords: Matthew Steinhauser, aging and wound healing, cellular senescence, diabetes and healing, regenerative phase of healing, chronic skin wounds