The Aging Musculoskeletal SystemI
The Aging Musculoskeletal System Bone and muscle health and maintenance are important in aging adults. However, it is especially imperative for elder Caucasian women to have good bone and muscle health. Not maintaining strong bones can lead to bone diseases, such as, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Poor muscle health can result in muscular atrophy. For example, Edith, who is an 84-year-old thin, small boned, white female suffers from all three of those diseases. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by a significant decrease in bone mass (Hans, 2008). People, like Edith, with osteoporosis experience faster bone breakdown than bone regrowth. Many factors influence this breakdown in bones. As we age, the rate at which our bones rebuild themselves decreases. A low calcium diet and absence of exercising are major factors in the causes of osteoporosis. Another main cause is low estrogen levels in the body. The low estrogen level is why osteoporosis is more prevalent in older adult woman. Falls are one of the most common problems that threaten the independence of older individuals. The risk of falls increases with age and ten to fifteen percent of falls in the elderly result in fracture. Older women with osteoporosis may have a greater risk of falls because of greater impairments in balance and muscular strength (Burke-Doe et al, 2008). Osteoarthritis is another bone disease that affects the everyday lives of people who have it. Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition in which the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down. This causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain and loss of joint movement. The cause is not fully understood. The effects of everyday life for someone, like Edith, with osteoarthritis are difficultly walking, climbing stairs, sleeping, or performing simple tasks. The difficulty results from the pain and stiffness joints (Arthritis.com, 2013). Osteoarthritis can sometimes be a factor in the formation of