Aging and the Skeletal System

 AGING AND THE SKELETAL SYSTEM 

With age, bone tissue tends to lose more calcium than is replaced. Bone matrix becomes thinner, the bones themselves more brittle, and fractures are more likely to occur with mild trauma.

Erosion of the articular cartilages of joints is also a common consequence of aging. Joints affected include weight-bearing joints such as the knees, and active, small joints such as those of the fingers


Although the normal wear and tear of joints cannot be prevented, elderly people can preserve their bone matrix with exercise (dancing counts) and diets high in calcium and vitamin D.

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