Ageing Changes of Muscle/Skeletal System

Name changes of muscles due to age

Change in muscle size, loss of strength and elasticity, decrease in exercise tolerance, slower recovery from injury

Consequences of decrease muscle function

Muscle atrophy, loss of strength, loss of endurance, quicker to fatigue, muscle fibrosis, decrease in flexibility, reduced thermoregulation

Name changes to skeletal system due to age

Decreased rate of bone formation due to osteoblast-osteoclast functional imbalance, brittle bones due to decreased collagen

Main outcomes of ageing on joints

Articular cartilage thins mainly in weight bearing joints, decreased production of synovial fluid, ligaments shorten and lose some flexibility due to decreased collagen and elastin

Outcomes of ageing effects on joints

Pain, inflammation, restriction joint movement, increased fall risk and loss of balance, compression of spinal nerves due to narrowing of vertebral column

Define osteoarthritis

Degenerative, age-related wear and tear disease - break down of articular cartilage on joint ends causes formation of bony spurs which restricts joint movement

Define rheumatoid arthritis

Systemic, chronic disease of synovial membrane - own antibodies attack and destroy synovial membrane, bilateral affect