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How Aging Affects Joints: Problems and Care Tips for the Elderly

By Dr. Simon Thomas in Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement , Robotic Surgery

Apr 02 , 2025 | 2 min read

At a certain age, we all undergo physical changes, wrinkles, grey hair, and, eventually, a slower pace. But the impact of old age is most clearly felt in the joints. For an active life, healthy joints are a must, and with every passing year, joints feel the pressure of repetitive use. This blog will focus on how the ageing process influences joint health. We'll observe what changes you expect at different ages and discuss what can be done for healthy joint mobility.

How Ageing Affects Your Joints

Joints allow us to move around freely. Healthy joints enable bending, walking, running, and stretching. The cartilage on the joint wears out as we age. Cartilage prevents the rubbing of bones against each other; hence, once worn, it causes pain and stiffness, and the joints cannot move much.

A disease common to growing old is arthritis. Arthritis, as an inflammatory condition of joints, causes pain and stiffness. The common type of such disease is osteoarthritis. This condition is a degenerative disease; that is to say, some parts of the human body may break. Cartilage forms a cushion, so without its soft tissue layers, bones rubbing against each other causes pain. Eventually, your freedom of movement, even about your daily performances, can become limited.

The same is true with ageing people; there is a decrease in muscle strength and flexibility. This affects joint health because, in this process, there's not much left to provide all the support required in joints; therefore, it increases stress and produces wear and tear.

Joint Problems of Elderly Population

Knee Conditions: The elderly complain more of knee pains. Cartilage in the knee joint gets damaged with arthritis; movement without pain is impossible. One cannot walk or climb the stairs and sometimes even get up from a chair. Such conditions might lead to advising surgery to replace the knee so mobility returns and the patient feels comforted.
Hip Pain: Hip joints are essential for moving, walking, and standing. The wear of the cartilage in hip joints as age increases will likely form osteoarthritis. It causes pain, stiffness, and difficulty with walking. The effectiveness of a hip replacement surgery could alleviate discomfort and regain function if other treatments do not work.
Shoulder Problems: The shoulders have great flexibility, but after some years, the cartilage may break down, causing pain in the shoulder joints and restricted mobility. Sometimes, these problems are surgically treated because of arthritis.
Pain in the Elbows: This is less common than those mentioned above, but elderlies can still experience elbow issues. Tennis elbow or arthritis could bring some form of pain and prevent movement, prompting surgery for relief and stabilization of joint functions in some cases.

How to Take Care of Your Joints When Ageing

Although joints deteriorate over time, this does not necessarily mean that discomfort can develop or that healthy joints cannot be maintained.

Activity: Keeping active to preserve joint health is important. Exercises that strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints also help reduce pressure on the joints.
Healthy Weight: Stress is caused by excess weight; hence, losing it lowers your risk of developing arthritis or joint stiffness.
Stretch Regularly: Stretching promotes joint movement by releasing the muscles and ligaments surrounding the joints, maintaining joint strength and flexibility.
Joint-Friendly Diet: Researchers indicate that diet has an anti-inflammatory effect that may keep joints healthy. One such diet involves food rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including salmon and walnuts. The latter tends to reduce inflammation.