What are changes that takes place in the skeleton with aging?

Answer 1

Bone mass or density is lost as people age, particularly women after they have reached menopause.

The bones lose calcium and other minerals.

The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. inter vertebral disks the gel cushions between the vertebrae lose fluid and become thinner.

vertebrae lose some of their mineral content, making them thinner. The spinal column becomes curved and compressed. Bone spurs may also develop as a result of age and damage.

The some bones like the shoulder blades (scapulae) porous. The become flatter contributing to loss of height.

The long bones of the arms and legs become more brittle because of mineral loss. This has the effect of making the arms look longer when compared with the shortened trunk of older people.

The joints become less flexible. Fluid in the joints may decrease, causing cartilage to start to rub together and wear. Minerals deposits (calcification) occurs in some joints, This is common in the shoulders.

Hip and knee joints may begin to break down (degenerative changes).

Finger joints lose cartilage and the bones thicken. Finger joint changes are more common in women and may be hereditary.