Introduction

Geriatric Essentials

• Between ages 40 and 50, bone density begins to decrease in both sexes, most rapidly in women.
• Because bone mass is lost, fractures occur commonly at the proximal ends of long bones and the spine, often with minimal trauma.
• Articular cartilage shows a reduced response to growth factors, becomes brittler, and tends to accumulate calcium pyrophosphate with aging.
• Connective tissue in ligaments and tendons loses tensile strength, elasticity, and regenerative capacity with aging.
• A decrease in muscle mass (sarcopenia) occurs with aging.
• Although sarcopenia tends to decrease maximal muscle strength, elderly people can normally perform most locomotor functions as well as younger people.
• Immobilized elderly people undergo rapid acceleration of muscle loss.

This topic was last updated May 2005.