Elderly people are generally pictured as frail, stooped, and weak. The skeleton provides support and structure to the body. Joints are the areas where bones come together. They allow the skeleton to be flexible for movement.
Muscles provide the force and strength to move the body.
Coordination, although directed by the brain, is affected by changes in the muscles and joints. Changes in the posture and gait, weakness , and slowed movement are caused by changes in the muscles, joints, and bones. The bones lose calcium and other minerals. The trunk becomes shorter. The disks gradually lose fluid, making them thinner.