What is one of the key age-dependent changes in the musculoskeletal system?

As individuals age, one of the most notable changes in the musculoskeletal system is the development of osteoarthritis. This degenerative joint disease is characterized by the deterioration of cartilage, the protective tissue at the ends of bones, which ultimately leads to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees, and the risk of developing this condition increases with age due to the cumulative effects of mechanical stress and the natural decline in repair mechanisms of cartilage.

The aging process also involves changes such as the loss of muscle mass, often referred to as sarcopenia, which is a decline in muscle strength and function, not an increase. Bone density typically decreases with age as well, notably leading to conditions such as osteoporosis rather than enhanced density. Furthermore, joint flexibility often diminishes with age due to changes in connective tissue and muscle stiffness. Thus, the emergence of osteoarthritis is a prominent, age-dependent change that has significant implications for the musculoskeletal health of older adults.