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Aging Changes in the Bones, Muscles, and Joints
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| Aging changes in the bones - muscles - joints |
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Alternative Names:
Osteoporosis and aging; Muscle weakness associated with aging
Information:
Changes in posture and gait are as universally associated with aging as changes in the skin and hair. Text Continues Below
The skeleton provides support and structure to the body. Joints are the areas where bones come together. They allow the skeleton to be flexible for movement. In a joint, bones do not directly contact each other. Instead, they are cushioned by cartilage, membranes, and fluid. Muscles provide the force and strength to move the body. Coordination, although directed by the brain, is affected by changes in the muscles and joints. Changes in the posture and gait, weakness, and slowed movement are caused by changes in the muscles, joints, and bones. AGING CHANGES Bone mass or density is lost as people age, especially in women after menopause. The bones lose calcium and other minerals. The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. Between each bone is a gel-like cushion (intervertebral disk). The trunk becomes shorter as the disks gradually lose fluid and become thinner. In addition, vertebrae lose some of their mineral content, making each bone thinner. The spinal column becomes curved and compressed (packed together). Bone spurs, caused by aging and overall use of the spine, may also form on the vertebrae. The shoulder blades (scapulae) and other bones may become porous - on an x-ray they may look "moth-eaten." The foot arches become less pronounced, contributing to slight loss of height. The long bones of the arms and legs, although more brittle because of mineral losses, do not change length. This makes the arms and legs look longer when compared to the shortened trunk.
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