Women over the age of 65 have a 1 in 5 chance of suffering from hip fracture during their lifetime. Most hip fractures require extensive care, and many result in long-term disability and even death as a result of complications. Exercise strengthens bones and decreases the rate of bone loss. To be most effective, the exercise should be weight bearing. Weight can be applied to the bones by the weight of the body, such as with walking, or by lifting or holding weights.
Exercise also strengthens muscles and joints and helps make connective tissues more flexible.
Careful weight management is important to the health of the musculoskeletal system. Although heavier women have stronger bones, and thus are less at risk of osteoporosis, being overweight causes stress and strain on certain joints, especially the knees and hips. Women who have been overweight most of their lives are more likely to have a kind of arthritis called osteoarthritis, the gradual wearing away of cartilage and bone in the joints. Extra weight can also increase the pain involved with this condition. The feet are the foundation upon which your whole body rests.