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Yes, you're getting older, and certainly wiser. But with aging come changes in your body, some subtle and some a bit more obvious. Beginning in early adulthood, your musculoskeletal system changes gradually as your bones, muscles, and joints age. These changes vary considerably from person to person. Many individuals remain active and vigorous as they age relatively comfortably. Other individuals develop osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, and they become less able to participate fully in activities. You may be entering the golden years yourself, or you may be caring for an elderly friend or family member. Wellness Professionals can be your partner in joint health during this very important phase of your life by providing the support you need to make your lifestyle comfortable and pain-free.
Bones
Starting at about age 30, bones begin to become less dense. This occurs in both sexes, but it happens more rapidly in women, particularly after menopause. Aging bones are also more fragile because they have less mineral content than young bones. As a result of reduced bone mass, people can experience fractures even with minimal trauma. Breaks occur most commonly at the proximal ends (end of bone closer to where it attach near the center of the trunk) of long bones and the spine.
With reduced bone formation and increased bone reabsorption, a condition called osteoporosis may develop. Osteoporosis is the most common of all bone diseases. When osteoporosis leads to crush fractures of the vertebrae, people appear to have a hump or a hunched back. Other symptoms include changes in posture and gait. Although osteoporosis affects more women than men, it occurs in people of both genders and all ages and races. More than 10 million Americans over the age of 50 have osteoporosis, and many more are at risk of developing the disease. Osteoporosis causes most hip fractures in older adults.
Muscles
As muscles age, they begin to lose mass and to shrink. This process, called sarcopenia, starts at around age 30 and continues through our lifetime. Muscle strength decreases, and reduced handgrip strength makes routine activities, such as opening a jar or turning a key, more difficult. In addition, the number and size of muscle fibers decrease, and muscles take longer to respond.
Joints
Aging also affects the joints. As ligaments and tendons lose water content and become less elastic, they become stiffer and more susceptible to stress. Cartilage loses its cushioning properties and begins to degenerate, and this causes inflammation. Some people's joints don't glide as easily as they used to, and osteoarthritis may develop. There is increased evidence of joint pain, both localized and spread in different parts of the body.
Your feet are also affected by years of wear and tear. When the joints in your toes don't fit together properly and become swollen and tender, bunions may develop. Treatments include pads, orthotics (custom shoe inserts), or physical therapy. When calcium deposits develop on the bones of your feet as a result of muscle strain, spurs can develop. Treatments include pads, supports, and-in extreme cases-surgery. When the tendons that control a toe's movements shorten and the knuckle in, the toe becomes enlarged and the joints also may enlarge and stiffen. The resulting condition is called hammertoe, which is treated by prescribing proper shoes or stockings to allow toes the room they need. Some foot problems are indicative of medical conditions including nerve and circulatory disorders, diabetes, and arthritis.
Falls and Immobility
As people age, they become more likely to fall. Several factors combine to increase this risk: decreased mobility; posture and gait changes; increased stress on key joints such as the knees; nerve-related gait and proprioception (awareness of the body in space) changes; and environmental hazards. When combined with increased bone weakness, falls often result in bone fractures.
Mobility also decreases. With reduced mobility comes a drop in level of fitness, muscle weakness and atrophy, bone loss, joint stiffness, and decreased endurance. The acute consequences of immobility can be treated or prevented through active or passive range-of-motion exercises, bed mobility training, standing or weight-bearing exercises, and regular repositioning of joints. Immobilized elderly people experience rapid acceleration of muscle loss.
Falls and loss of mobility cause pain and disability, which can result in loss of independence and changes in mental health. Emerging psychological problems include depression, fear of falling, cognitive impairment, low motivation, and perceived isolation.
Until the fountain of youth is discovered, there are some ways to delay or to counterbalance the impact of aging on the musculoskeletal system. These include a healthy diet, a regular exercise program, and a positive attitude.
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