Aging of the Musculoskeletal System
Aging of the Musculoskeletal System
Learning Objective Covered
LO 03.02 – Describe the impact of aging on the musculoskeletal system
Career Relevancy
As a person ages, there are many things that begin to wear down in the body, causing a variety of complaints. As a Medical Assistant, you need to understand how a person ages and what the body experiences. This understanding will help you treat and advise your patients on how to best maintain and/or improve their quality of life, even as they age.
Background
It’s no secret that there are few things in this world that last forever. By design, things wear out. We see this in our cars, our appliances, and even our favorite pair of shoes. As things get older, they wear out. We fix them for as long as we can until we decide we’re better off upgrading altogether.
Unfortunately, upgrading the musculoskeletal system is not as easy as buying a new pair of shoes or repairing your vehicle. As your body ages, there are many things you may start noticing. Even though some of the effects of aging are irreversible and possibly painful, there are measures you can take to alleviate some of the side effects of aging.
Effects of aging
Diminishing Bone Density. Starting at age 30, bones begin to lose their mass. This happens in both men and women and can result in osteoporosis, which increases the fragility of the bones and the likelihood of fractures. Women are at greater risk of osteoporosis than men, especially when they experience hormonal changes after menopause.
Stiffening Joints. During aging, the joint’s cartilage becomes thinner. As this happens, the joint can’t heal as quickly and is damaged more easily, meaning that the joints may not slide as smoothly as they did in younger years. This results in stiff joints and limits the joints’ movement. Joint stiffening is known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease.
Decreasing Muscle Mass. Sarcopenia, a process in which muscle mass and strength degenerates, begins around age 30. The effects of sarcopenia include arthritis, balance issues, loss of strength, and an increased risk of falling—especially since joints such as the knee are commonly affected. Patients with sarcopenia may also find it challenging to perform daily tasks they once completed easily. Overall, sarcopenia results in a lower quality of life.
Caring for your aging musculoskeletal system
As your muscles age, the best way to care for them is to exercise regularly. Exercising regularly—at least 30 minutes a day, 3 days a week—can help to mitigate or significantly slow down the loss of muscle mass and strength. From cardiovascular exercises such as tennis, biking, or swimming to strength training such as lifting weights or doing yoga, there are clearly many forms of exercise, but some types are more beneficial with age. These include exercises that are easy on the heart, such as swimming, pool fitness, or biking. Walking and proper diet also keep your bones and muscles strong. If you’re experiencing joint stiffness, consider yoga to help improve flexibility. If you’re at risk of falling, consider exercises that will strengthen your core to improve your coordination and balance. Exercises like these can have a positive effect on mental health, quality of life, and mobility.
Patient Education
Patients over 65 are prone to numerous injuries and are the demographic most likely to deal with hospitalizations, doctor visits, and even death falls. There are many things that can easily lead to a patient falling. Examples include dangers in the home or issues in the body itself, such as weakness, medications, or balance problems. Dangers in the home might be tripping over a decorative rug or a power cord. Patients need to be educated about safety precautions they should implement to help them stay safe. Simply having the conversation with them is a great way to provide them with information on how to avoid injuries from falling.
Assistive Devices
As patients age, they may experience different effects, such as joint pain, muscle loss, or bone fragility. There are several assistive devices that patients can use to help them maintain mobility and balance—but you should avoid suggesting them until it is truly necessary. Examples of assistive devices include canes, walkers, and crutches. When it comes to these assistive devices, there are many types within these main categories. Assess each patient carefully; discuss their lifestyle and their health goals as, together, you determine which assistive device would be best for their needs.
Resources and References
Owens, B., MD, & Tzovolos, A. C., NP. (n.d.). How to Fight Aging with Exercise. Retrieved from: https://www.lifespan.org/lifespan-living/how-fight-aging-exercise (Links to an external site.)
TeachMeAandP. (2018, June 7). The Skeletal System (Part 2.5): The Effects of Aging on the Bones (Osteoporosis). Retrieved from YouTube: https://youtu.be/jswiVQ3bdSM (Links to an external site.)
The Doctors. (2016, May 12). How to Maintain Muscle Mass as You Age. Retrieved from YouTube: https://youtu.be/WyS4AiBfJ1U (Links to an external site.)
Villa-Forte, A., MD, MPH. (2017, September). Effects of Aging on the Musculoskeletal System – Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders. Retrieved from: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders/biology-of-the-musculoskeletal-system/effects-of-aging-on-the-musculoskeletal-system (Links to an external site.)
Prompt
For your main post, imagine you are counseling the family of a 72-year-old patient who has recently fallen and broken a hip.
For your main post discuss whether replacing a hip in a person with musculoskeletal system issues and who is at an advanced age is beneficial, be sure to explain your stance and how you decided if it was beneficial or not.
For your peer replies, argue against the choice of your peer. Be sure to include why your choice is better.
For your citation, you might use articles that show the pros and cons of operating on older individuals. You can also find articles from experts that suggest what ages surgeries lose their benefit.
Your initial and reply posts should work to develop a group understanding of this topic. Challenge each other. Build on each other. Always be respectful but discuss this and figure it out together.
In order to respond to your classmates you must post first to see their initial posts.
Reply Requirements
You must submit:
1 main post of 150+ words with 1 in-text citation and reference (follow the Institution Writing Guidelines)
2 follow-up posts (replies) of 50+ words
Responses can be addressed to both your initial thread and other threads but must be:
Your own words (no copy and paste)
Unique (no repeating something you already said)
Substantial in nature, which means there has to be some meat to the reply not something like: “Good job, Rasha, your post is excellent.” A substantial post will do one of the following:
Extend the conversation deeper,
Challenge the post being responded to, or
Take the conversation in a career-relevant tangent
Remember that part of the discussion grade is submitting on time and using proper grammar, spelling, etc. You’re training to be a professional—write like it.
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