A common condition among older adults, osteoarthritis, develops when the cartilage that usually serves as a cushion in a joint wears away, leaving bone to rub against bone. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons estimates that more than 8 million Americans older than age 45 suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee. Are you one of […]
It wasn’t long ago that the only treatment for osteoporosis was taking medications along with calcium and vitamin D supplements. Current thinking, however, suggests that weight-bearing exercises are a vital component of osteoporosis treatment. What does weight-bearing mean? It simply refers to any activity that requires the bones and muscles to withstand the effects of […]
Some good news for people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who exercise and are fit: A long-term research study recently published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that the more fit you are during your midlife years, the lower your risk of developing chronic diseases in old age. This holds true for both […]
A slow-progressing bone disease that typically afflicts older adults, Paget’s disease involves excessive and abnormal remodeling of bone. Throughout our lives, bone continuously breaks down and “re-forms” new bone; cells called osteoclasts absorb this broken-down bone matter, and osteoblas ts create new bone. Paget’s disease creates an imbalance in the way these cells interact, resulting […]
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, incurable disorder caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing cells in the part of the brain that affects movement, muscle control and balance. Most often appearing after age 60, symptoms include tremors, slow movement, difficulty initiating and continuing movement and postural instability. Parkinson’s disease treatment aims to maintain the individual’s quality […]
Primary osteoporosis is the name given to osteoporosis cases not caused by an underlying drug reaction, disease or syndrome. In this condition, the bones—the word itself means “porous bones”—become brittle, making them highly susceptible to fracture. An event as innocuous as landing the wrong way when sitting down on a chair or twisting awkwardly during […]
Many people never give a second thought to their balance, but once it starts to suffer, the effects can be signifi cant. Age or a variety of health conditions can affect your balance, making walking a challenge. Furthermore, the likelihood that elderly people have osteoporosis can mean that a simple fall can result in a break […]
Each year, injuries from falling afflict many adults— the majority of whom are senior citizens—causing painful fractures and leaving them with severe mobility problems. Changes related to aging, such as decreases in visual capacity, hearing and strength, can contribute to the likelihood of a tumble. Whether you are a senior or you have an elderly […]
Now that the golf off-season has arrived, it is the best possible time to improve your game. That may sound counterintuitive, but consider this—core and muscle strength, flexibility and endurance are the keys to a more effective and consistent golf swing, and what better time to improve these aspects of your personal fitness than when […]
During the aging process, the fibrous cartilage between the thighbone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia) within the knee can degenerate and become prone to tearing. These cartilages—the medial meniscus and lateral meniscus—act as shock absorbers, thus protecting the joint surfaces from undue wear and tear, which can lead to arthritis. When you run, walk or […]
