The Cost of a Sedentary Lifestyle to Muscle and Bone

A mountain of evidence exists to demonstrate that being sedentary will lead to greater ill health and a shorter life expectancy. As we inch closer towards the implementation of rejuvenation treatments at some uncertain point in the decades ahead, every year of health and life gained counts, raising the odds of living long enough to benefit from proposed ways to repair the damage of aging.

Being physically active may significantly improve musculoskeletal and overall health, and minimize or delay the effects of aging, according to a review of the latest research. It long has been assumed that aging causes an inevitable deterioration of the body and its ability to function, as well as increased rates of related injuries such as sprains, strains and fractures; diseases, such as obesity and diabetes; and osteoarthritis and other bone and joint conditions. However, recent research on senior, elite athletes suggests usage of comprehensive fitness and nutrition routines helps minimize bone and joint health decline and maintain overall physical health.

"An increasing amount of evidence demonstrates that we can modulate age-related decline in the musculoskeletal system. A lot of the deterioration we see with aging can be attributed to a more sedentary lifestyle instead of aging itself." The positive effects of physical activity on maintaining bone density, muscle mass, ligament and tendon function, and cartilage volume are keys to optimal physical function and health. "Regimens must be individualized for older adults according to their baseline level of conditioning and disability, and be instituted gradually and safely, particularly for elderly and poorly conditioned adults." To improve fitness levels and minimize bone and joint health decline, when safely allowable, patients should be encouraged to continually exceed the minimum exercise recommendations.

Link: http://newsroom.aaos.org/media-resources/Press-releases/lifetime-of-fitness-a-fountain-of-youth-for-bone-and-joint-health.htm

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