Physiological changes that happen in the human body between the attainment of adulthood , and ending in death is called as aging .
Bone is a living body tissue .Remodeling is a process of aging bone .It is lifelong process .Where mature bone tissue is removed and new bone tissue is formed .Bone remodeling is maintains balance between bone resorption and formation ,thus maintaining skeletal integrity . Increasing age is changes the balance .Which resulting in loss of bone tissue .When people are getting age the rate of bone resorption by osteoclast cells exceeds the rate of bone formation then bone weaken so people lose bone mass or density when they age ,especially women after menopause .
People lose bone mass or density,due to
An inactive lifestyle causes bone wastage
Hormonal changes -in women ,menopause triggers the loss of minerals in bone tissue .in men, the gradual decline in sex hormones leads to the later development of osteoporosis.
Bones lose calcium and other minerals .
The joint cavity contains synovial fluids ,secreted by the synovial membrane (synovium) ,which lines the articular capsule . This fluid -filled space is the site at which the articulating surfaces of the bones contact each other.when we age, fluid of inside the joint become decreases and cartilage becomes thinner.then bones contact each other easily so joint movement becomes stiffer and less flexibility.
COMMON PROBLEMS.
Osteoporosis.
It is a common problem in older women .bones break more easily.
Compression fractures of the vertebra.
It can cause pain and reduce mobility
Muscle weakness.
It contributes to fatigue ,weakness ,and reduced activity tolerance
Joint problems Which cause inflammation ,pain ,stiffness, and deformity . Joint problems affect almost all older people .these problems are very common range from minor stiffness to severe osteoarthritis .
Stooped posture
The posture may become more bent .There are knees and hips may become more flexed ,neck may tilt ,and the shoulders may narrow while the pelvis becomes wider.
Gait changes ,and loss of balance.
The walking pattern (gait) becomes slower and limited .walking may become unstable and which may lead to falls.
PREVENTION.
️ Exercises.
Exercise is important for securing bone density ,maintain strength ,balance ,and flexibility. Exercise helps the bones stay strong but be aware from high impact exercises and exercises that present the risk of falling .
Useful exercises such as :
️ Weight -bearing exercise e.g. walking
️ Strengthening exercises using free weights ,elastic bands
️ Balance exercise e.g. tai chi
️ Healthy diet with including adequate dosage of vitamin D and calcium
Which is useful for securing bone mass.
️ Limit coffee ,alcohol and tobacco consumption
Which is harmful to bone mineral density.
Importance of physiotherapy management of age related conditions
Exercise can prevent many age-related changes to muscles, bones and joints.
️ Exercise can make bones stronger and help slow the rate of bone loss.
️ Older people can increase muscle mass and strength through muscle-strengthening activities.
️ Balance and coordination exercises, such as tai chi, can help reduce the risk of falls.
Importance of physiotherapy management of age related conditions.
Exercise can prevent many age-related changes to muscles, bones and joints.
Exercise can make bones stronger and help slow the rate of bone loss.
Older people can increase muscle mass and strength through muscle-strengthening activities.
Balance and coordination exercises, such as tai chi, can help reduce the risk of falls.
See your physiotherapist before you start any new physical activity program. If you haven’t exercised for a long time, and or have a chronic disease, your physiotherapist can help tailor an appropriate and safe physiotherapy management for you.
References
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004015.htm
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/ageing-muscles-bones-and-joints
Jesla Saheel.
Gimhan srinayake.
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