The Skeleton Provides Support
and Protects Vital Organs

The skeleton system is composed of 206 bones which shape the body and enable movement. It serves as protection for our soft organs such as the brain, lungs, and heart and provides muscle attachment for motion.

The bones store many minerals like calcium and phosphorus and produce red blood cells.

Bone is composed of four layers.

1. The periosteum is a dense fibrous membrane of nerves and blood vessels that covers the surface of bones except at the joints. It nourishes the bone and serves as an attachment for the muscles and tendons.

2. The cortical bone is the hard outer wall of the bone.

3. The cancellous bone is a spongy interior bone tissue. It is less dense, softer, and more flexible than the outer layer.

4. The bone marrow is the soft, fatty tissue that occupies the cavity of most bones and is responsible for blood cell production.

What Happens to Our Bones as We Age?

• The human skeleton grows and strengthens until about the age of 18.

• At about the age of 30 it begins to weaken and lose mass. For women bone loss tends to be higher after menopause.

• Bones lose calcium and other minerals.

• The spinal column becomes curved and compressed as the vertebrae and the discs between them become thinner due to loss of minerals and moisture.

• Joints may become less flexible as fluid in joints decrease and cartilage erodes.

• Bones become more brittle and can break more easily.

• Loss of height occurs mainly because the spine compresses.

• Joints can deform, become inflamed, stiff or be very painful because the loss of fluid and cartilage.

• Posture tends to become progressively hunched over.

• Movement slows down and may become limited.

Common aging skeletal disorders

Arthritis - is a group of diseases that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in joints.

Back Pain - Honest & Understandable Info on Back Pain and Treatments written by a recovered patient.

How to keep our aging bones healthy

Diet and Nutrition – A diet rich in calcium, magnesium and vitamin D is important in maintaining healthy, strong bones.

Exercise – Regular exercise helps increase bone density at every age. It is especially important for us women baby boomers. The best exercise for strengthening bones is weight bearing exercise, also referred to as weight training or strength training.

For more about Osteoporosis click here

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