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The Human Body And The Musculoskeletal System

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The human body is a complex network that has many organ systems designed for proper functioning. As the body ages over time, it also affects the effectiveness of these organ systems. One of the organ systems that demonstrated the most significant age-related changes have to be the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system provides the most obvious external signs of aging because its main function is to provide protection, support and movement of the muscles and bones (Aldwin). These functions are essential to the mobility and strength of the adult population in order to preserve their quality of life.
The two main age-related changes that are seen in this system pertain to the bones and soft tissues. Bone is the fundamental part …show more content…

Normal age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system profoundly impact the everyday lives of older adults by increasing the disability rate and restricting the mobility of the body. Some of those changes affect the posture, sense of balance and self-image of the older person (Aldwin). Daily activities like walking, jogging, lifting and even getting up from recline position may take longer time and more difficulties. It can also affect the mental status of the older person because they lose the confidence of being independent and feeling more apathetic towards physical activities.
Age-related changes and disease processes in later life are sometimes mistakenly used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Changes common enough that the majority of the population can expect to experience as they age and is inevitable deals with age-related changes (Aldwin). In the musculoskeletal system, most people expect that as they age, the muscle strength will decrease due to wear and tear in certain areas. Disease processes in later life is described as the malfunctions in individuals that can accelerate the aging process (Aldwin). Some examples in the musculoskeletal system include osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, back pain, bursitis and tendinitis.
One of the most profound disease of the musculoskeletal system that leads to chronic disability, impact an older person’s physical, social and mental health is

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