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Aging Process: What is Happening to the Body and What Does it Mean? Summary
• Age-related low estrogen levels (women can lose up to 20% of their bone mass during the first 5-7 years of menopause) • Any condition affecting sex hormones
INTRODUCTION Aging brings about significant changes to the skeletal system, impacting overall health and mobility. The fibrocartilaginous cushions that sit between each vertebra, known as intervertebral discs, lose some of their water contents, resulting in compression of the vertebral column and potentially a reduction in height as well as increasing kyphotic posture . This increases a person's risk of spine fractures and contributes to the narrowing of the spinal canal, a condition called spinal stenosis.
(prostate cancer, breast cancer) EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE
A research study conducted in 2017 investigated the effects of back extensor strengthening in postmenopausal women, all of whom had osteoporosis. The study found that this specific type of strengthening improved all but one physical and mental health parameters of quality of life based on a 36-question assessment tool, highlighting the importance of incorporating extension exercises into the treatment of osteoporosis. Much like the decline in bone density, individuals who do not participate in regular exercise tend to experience a 10 to 15% decline in muscle strength with each passing decade. On the flip side, older adults who have adhered to a lifelong regimen of physical activity often exhibit a relatively well- preserved muscle mass and strength– though not to the extent that muscle loss is completely prevented. SARCOPENIA Sarcopenia refers to the gradual loss of muscle mass that happens as we age. It is a prevalent syndrome that contributes to an overall decrease in functional status and mobility, deficits in metabolic function, greater frailty, and an increased risk of falling. Sarcopenia is a result of the natural aging process and the many muscular changes that occur during that time. Overall, aging leads to a loss of muscle mass and an increase in fatty tissue, a loss in number of motor units, a slowing of muscle contractile properties, and muscle necrosis. Moreover, type II (fast- twitch) fibers are replaced by type I (slow- twitch) muscle fibers, making rapid muscle contractions more challenging for older adults.
LEARNING TIP! Peak bone density occurs in late 20s – early 30s. However, bone reabsorption begins to outpace bone formation in 50s-60s (osteoblastic activity), resulting in bone loss and an increased risk of fractures.
Modifiable Risk Factors for Bone Loss • Calcium intake: 1200 mg/day or more is required • Cigarette smoking • Excessive alcohol intake • Low body mass index (<18.5) • Inactivity • Drinking soda instead of milk • Use of steroids • Immobilization Non-Modifiable Risk Factors for Bone Loss • Genetics • Having a smaller frame • Caucasian or Hispanic ethnicity • Female older than 50-females loss more bone mass than men and it is accelerated during menopause • Family history of osteoporosis • Premature at birth • Insufficient protein intake • Inadequate vitamin D levels
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