Accepted Answer

Hi, and thank you for coming to JustAnswer.com with your question.

Similarities:

• Both have immune systems that are weaker than adults
• Both can have different reactions ie during infection they may have no fever, or their body temperature may even drop.
• In both some lab values may be different than a typical adult.
• Babies cry a lot, and older people with lung disease breath quickly, leaving both their blood VERY slightly basic. (In both cases they are blowing off acid).
• In babies and old people eating can be difficult because neither have any teeth

Differences:

• Children 'bounce back' much more often, more easily, and quicker.
• Older people have 'no reserve', so when they get sick they get very sick quickly
• Children can hold their blood pressure up until things are disastrous and then their blood pressure suddenly plummets (like a cliff)
• Older peoples' blood pressure goes down continuously (like a low slope hill)

G-d Bless

If you have any follow-up questions feel free to ask them.

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Expert:	Charogat
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	11/4/2009

Doctor

Licensed in both NYS and NJ with experience in surgery and medicine.