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Aging changes in the bones, muscles, and joints
Normal age-related changes occur in everyone's body. Some of these changes occur in the bones, muscles, and joints.
Aging can affect the bones, muscles, and joints in different ways.
Bone mass is lost as one ages. This loss is most rapid in women after menopause, or the change of life. Minerals such as calcium are lost. This can lead to weaker, more brittle bones that are more likely to break. Bones in the wrists, hips and back are most likely to fracture or break. In severe bone loss, the weight of the body itself can even cause a bone fracture. Bone loss may also lead to a loss in height.
The muscles tend to decrease in size as people age. Starting at age 20, muscle mass or size begins to decrease. By age 40, most people have lost muscle mass. Increased amounts of fat are deposited into the muscles as well. These two factors cause the decreased muscle strength that occurs as people age.
Joints begin to wear down as a person ages. Joints lose some of their function due to changes from arthritis. These changes can lead to pain, stiffness, and deformity in the joints. The disks between the bones in the spine become less rubbery and more prone to rupture. This can also cause the height to decrease.
All of these changes can affect a person's coordination and posture. Walking may become more difficult. Movement is often slower and falling becomes more likely. People who are developing problems in these areas should see a healthcare professional. Treatment may be available.
Changes in the muscles, joints, and bones can be slowed by:
- Exercising regularly. This keeps bones, joints, and muscles strong. People should contact a healthcare professional before starting an exercise program.
- Eating a well-balanced diet. Calcium is especially important to help slow bone loss.
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol.
- Taking estrogen, or hormone replacement. This is only for women who have reached menopause. This can help prevent much of the bone loss that occurs with age.
Author: James Broomfield, MD
Date Written: 09/25/99
Reviewer: Adam Brochert, MD
Date Reviewed: 05/06/00