The Impact of Aging on the Human Skeletal System

Background: Aging significantly affects the human skeletal system, leading to a decline in bone mass, density, and functionality. Conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis become more prevalent, impacting the quality of life in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the impact of aging on the skeletal system, focusing on bone health, lifestyle factors, and medical interventions. Objective: The objective of this research was to examine the prevalence of bone-related conditions, lifestyle habits, and the effectiveness of current medical interventions in mitigating the effects of aging on the skeletal system. Methods: The study was conducted at the Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Pakistan. A total of 47 participants, aged 20 to 84 years, were included. Data were collected through comprehensive questionnaires covering medical history, lifestyle habits, current medications, and menopausal status for female participants. Bone health was assessed through self-reported incidence of bone pain, fractures, and mobility issues, supplemented by medical records and imaging data. Logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 to identify associations between bone pain and variables such as fractures, mobility issues, and supplement use. Results: The study included 47 participants with a mean age of 52.47 years. The prevalence of osteoporosis was 55.3%, arthritis 57.4%, hyperthyroidism 38.3%, hypothyroidism 44.7%, diabetes 51.1%, and cardiovascular disease 59.6%. Smoking and alcohol consumption were reported by 55.3% and 59.6% of participants, respectively. Physical activity levels varied, with 29.8% being super active and 19.1% sedentary. The mean number of medications taken was 2.55. Bone pain was reported by 38.3% of participants, fractures by 46.8%, and mobility issues by 48.9%. Logistic regression indicated possible associations between bone pain and fractures (p=0.172) and mobility issues (p=0.153), while calcium or vitamin D supplements were not significantly associated with bone pain (p=0.823). Conclusion: The study highlighted the significant impact of aging on the skeletal system, with high prevalence rates of osteoporosis, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity levels also played crucial roles. Fractures and mobility issues were identified as potential risk factors for bone pain. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive healthcare strategies addressing medical and lifestyle factors to mitigate the effects of aging on the skeletal system and improve the quality of life for older adults. Keywords: Aging, Skeletal System, Osteoporosis, Arthritis, Bone Health, Lifestyle Factors, Medical Interventions, Bone Pain, Fractures, Mobility Issues, Calcium Supplements, Vitamin D Supplements, SPSS Analysis, Geriatric Health, Preventive Healthcare.