These changes can lead to joint pain , along with stiffness and deformity in the joints. The disks between the bones in the spine become less rubbery and more prone to rupture. This can also cause a decrease in height. All of these changes can affect a person's coordination and posture. Walking may become more difficult.
Movement is often slower, and falling becomes more likely.
Prevention Thirty minutes of moderate weight-bearing exercise a day can slow changes in the muscles, joints, and bones. A person doing moderate exercise can talk normally without shortness of breath and is comfortable with the pace of the activity. The 30 minutes a day can be done all in one session or may be broken up into smaller increments of time. Low-impact aerobics and water aerobics are examples of exercises that minimize joint stress in elderly individuals or people with arthritis . Recent research has shown that people who do high-impact activities such as jogging have less bone loss as they age.