As you age, every part of your body, including your musculoskeletal system, changes. Learn more about what you can expect during your transition from young to middle and older adulthood.
You've likely heard many claims about how your musculoskeletal system and metabolism change with age. Here are the facts.
1. True or false: People shrink as they age.
True. This may sound like an old wives' tale, but as most people gain years, they lose inches. In fact, adults usually lose one-half inch every 10 years after age 40, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, and height loss may start to occur even more rapidly after your 70th birthday.
If you have noticeable height loss accompanied by back pain, talk with your physician. Together, these symptoms can signal a spinal compression fracture -- a type of fracture characterized by collapsed or broken vertebrae that's more common in older adults.
2. True or false: Osteoporosis is only a concern for women.
False. The age-related losses in bone density that contribute to brittle bones affect both men and women. However, men are less likely to develop osteoporosis and, if they do, the disease typically begins to affect men at later ages than women.
3. True or false: Changes in your body fat composition and metabolism make it harder to lose weight after you turn 30.
True. People begin to lose lean muscle tissue after age 30, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Because muscle burns calories more effectively than fat, even when your body is at rest, the gradual loss of muscle mass that occurs over time can contribute to weight gain.
A lifetime of musculoskeletal health
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that many of the musculoskeletal changes that happen as people get older result from inactivity, not simple aging. Staying active throughout your life can keep your joints limber and flexible and your bones and muscles healthy and strong.
Adults of all ages should get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. Weight-bearing exercises that force your body to work against gravity, such as walking, hiking, playing tennis, golfing and jogging, help build and preserve bone mass, according to the National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. At least twice a week, also incorporate muscle-building strength training and exercises that help maintain and improve flexibility and balance -- such as yoga and tai chi -- into your routine.
An added bonus to staying active? Regular exercise can help control your weight. One of the leading causes of osteoarthritis -- the type of arthritis that causes the cartilage between bones in a joint to break down over time -- is obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent or ease osteoarthritis symptoms and related joint damage.
Dr. E. Beth Harp and Stefanie Barr, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, of Siloam Springs Family Medicine, are now accepting new patients, and walk-in patients are welcome. To schedule an appointment today, call 479-215-3035 or visit MyNorthwestAnycare.com. Siloam Springs Family Medicine is located at 1101-1 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs.
About Siloam Springs Regional Hospital
Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is a 73 licensed bed facility with 42 private patient rooms. It is accredited by the State of Arkansas Department of Health Services and The Joint Commission. Some services include inpatient and outpatient surgery, emergency medicine, medical, surgical and intensive care units, obstetrics, outpatient diagnostic services and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. With more than 50 physicians on the medical staff, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital provides compassionate, customer-focused care. SSRH is an affiliate of Northwest Health, one of the largest health networks in Northwest Arkansas, and through that affiliation is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a select group of independent health systems that work closely with Mayo Clinic to improve the delivery of healthcare and better serve their patients and their communities. Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is located at 603 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs. For more information, visit NorthwestHealth.com.
Community on 08/22/2018