The Aging Skeleton--Just the Bare Bones

Rhonda Witte, BSc

Our body's framework is subjected to continual use throughout our daily rituals. Whether we are walking, lifting, exercising or even rolling over in bed while we sleep, we depend on our skeletal system to function adequately. Amazingly, it handles a lot of use and is incredibly reliable. With age, however, our framework becomes less capable of withstanding the "wear and tear" of every day life. Research provides insight into the mechanisms behind the "normal" aging of the skeletal system. With this knowledge, we are gradually learning ways to counteract the effects of aging bone.