AGING TISSUE CHANGES: People lose bone mass or density as they age, especially 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 (called a disc). The middle of the body (trunk) becomes shorter as the discs gradually lose fluid and become thinner. Vertebrae also lose some of their mineral content, making each bone thinner. The spinal column can become curved and compressed. Painful bone spurs caused by aging bone and friction may also form on the vertebrae. The foot arches become less pronounced, contributing to a slight loss of height. The long bones of the arms and legs are more brittle because of mineral loss, but they do not change length. This makes the arms and legs look longer when compared with the shortened trunk. The joints become stiffer and less flexible. Fluid in the joints may decrease. The cartilage may begin to rub together and wear away. Minerals may deposit in and around some joints (calcification). This is common in the shoulder. Hip and knee joints may begin to lose cartilage (degenerative changes). The finger joints lose cartilage and the bones thicken slightly. Finger joint changes are more common in women. These changes may be inherited. Lean body mass decreases. This decrease is partly caused by a loss of muscle tissue (atrophy). The speed and amount of muscle change is also genetically linked. Muscle changes often begin in the 20s in men and in the 40s in women. Fat is deposited in muscle tissue. The muscle fibers shrink. Lost muscle tissue may be replaced with a tough fibrous tissue. This is most noticeable in the hands, which may look thin. Muscles are less toned and less able to contract because of changes in the muscle tissue and normal aging changes in the nervous system. Muscles may become rigid with age and may lose tone and elasticity. EFFECT OF CHANGES: Bones become more brittle and may break more easily. Overall height decreases, mainly because the trunk and spine shorten. Breakdown of the joints may lead to inflammation, pain, stiffness, and deformity. These changes range from minor stiffness to severe arthritis. The posture may become more stooped. The knees and hips may become more flexed. The neck may tilt forward and the shoulders may narrow while the pelvis becomes wider. Movement slows and may become limited. The walking pattern becomes slower and shorter. Walking may become unsteady, and there is less arm swinging. This altered gait pattern requires more energy making people become tired sooner. PREVENTION: Exercise is one of the best ways to slow or prevent problems with the muscles, joints, and bones. A moderate exercise program can help you maintain strength, balance, and flexibility. Exercise helps the bones stay strong. OUR BODY TISSUES CHANGE AS WE AGE: THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT MOST OF THESE CHANGES CAN BE MITIGATED BY THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVIT Y!
RECEIVE THERAPY IN YOUR HOME! AgeWell PT and LiveWell OT offer in-home physical therapy and occupational therapy services. If you have difficulty traveling or leaving your home, these services are for you! These services are also covered by Medicare. I N - OF F I CE SPECIAL TEST ING SERV I CES AgeWell PT offers in-house electrodiagnostic testing and musculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound testing for all of our patients. We hope our therapy patients take advantage of these tests to improve their rate of recovery and therapy outcome.
REFER A FR I END!
Get a free gift whenever you refer a friend or family member to Agewell Physical Therapy. It’s our way of saying “Thank You!” for spreading the word!
Call us at AgeWell to discuss how a tailored exercise program can help you! (516) 488-8808
www.agewellpt.com
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker