Originally published October 5 2005
Researchers bring attention to the effect of age on the musculoskeletal system
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Nicholas DiNubile discusses the significance of understanding how bone changes over the course of a lifetime, as the percentage of Americans over 65 continues to grow and bone diseases threaten to take a greater toll on the older population.
The Aging Population Life expectancy in the U.S. has increased dramatically over the past century.
Effects of Aging on the Body Researchers estimate 80 percent of those 65 and older have some degree of musculoskeletal problems, like osteoporosis, arthritis or back pain.
After about 40, women lose about 8 percent of their peak bone mass every ten years.
As bone density decreases, the risk of fractures increases.
Aging is also associated with loss of skeletal muscle, caused by a decrease in the number and size of muscle cells.
Decreased strength can lead to mobility problems, difficulty getting out of a bed or a chair, and an increased risk for falls.
Cartilage, the protective tissue that protects the bones in a joint, also deteriorates with age.
With time, the bones may start to rub against each other during movement, causing inflammation, joint pain and restriction of activity.
Degeneration of supporting structures, like the tendons and ligaments, increases the risk of injury and pain in the tissues surrounding joints (like the rotator cuff in the shoulder).
Each disk is like a jelly-filled donut, with a tough outer covering and squishy, fluid-filled inside.
Eventually, the size of the disk decreases, causing a loss of height between the disks.
Maintaining the Musculoskeletal System The musculoskeletal system is a framework that supports the entire body.
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Nicholas DiNubile, says our body's framework is only designed to last about 35 to 40 years.
The trick to healthy aging, is to change that process from a negative, or degenerative one, to a positive, strengthening direction.
This kind of exercise helps the heart and lungs work more efficiently and increases endurance.
Flexibility, along with strength and endurance training, improves the ability to perform daily activities and self-care.
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