Strength and endurance change. Loss of muscle mass reduces strength. However, endurance may be enhanced by changes in the muscle fibers. Broken bones occur more readily, and compression fractures of the vertebrae can cause pain and reduce mobility. Muscle weakness contributes to fatigue, weakness, and reduced activity tolerance.
Joint problems are extremely common.
Injury risk is greater because of falls related to gait changes , instability, and loss of balance . Sometimes, elderly people have reduced reflexes. This is most often caused by changes in the muscles and tendons, rather than changes in the nerves. Decreased knee jerk or ankle jerk are not unexpected. Muscle contractions or inablitiy to move a muscle may occur in those unable to move voluntarily or to have their muscles stretched through exercise.