Aging and Osteoarthritis

One of the many problems that worsen as we age is the function of our joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and afflicts an estimated 27 million Americans. It is more common than rheumatoid arthritis.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition of our joints where the normal cartilage that serves as a lubricated sliding surface begins to wear out. As the cartilage thins, becomes less lubricated, and deteriorates, then the bone surfaces that the cartilage shields begin to rub. The result is that there is less mobility and function in the joint. If allowed to persist the condition can cause disability. Weight bearing joints are affected like the knee, hip, neck, and lower spine, but hands also are commonly involved in a process that is associated with age.

Risk Factors

People who are older (80 percent of the over-65-year-old population have radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis) are likely to have some early to severe osteoarthritis. Women are more likely than men to have it although one of the major contributors to this is injury that occurs in athletics, like football. Obesity is also associated with osteoarthritis. Finally, occupations that require repetitive weight pressure on joints or motions of the hand are known to contribute to osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

The usual symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain on movement, tenderness, stiffness, loss of flexibility, locking, grating sensation, and more rarely swelling. The symptoms and the history of them are usually diagnostic, but x-rays are a definitive way for the diagnosis to be made.

Exercises for Osteoarthritis

As with many diseases, regular exercise is useful in preventing or controlling the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The goals in regular exercise in patients with osteoarthritis are to maintain muscle function that can protect the joints, preserve joint mobility and range of motion by moving it appropriately, improve sleep, attain and maintain a healthy weight. The types of exercise for osteoarthritis are flexibility and stretching, strengthening with weight lifting or other aids, and endurance that do not stress joints like swimming or bide riding. A physician or physical therapist can prescribe these exercises.

Because osteoarthritis can be debilitating and it is common as we age, it is important to prevent the progression with exercise. If this is unsuccessful, then it is time to consider some medications and possibly surgery. Naturally, this is done after consultation with your physician. By paying attention to your joint aches and pains, it is possible to extend their use for your entire life! [Source: muschealth]

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Senior Nutrition: Hydration on the Effects of Aging

Dehydration is the depletion in total body water content due to fluid losses, lack of fluid intake or both. The following article has suggestions for seniors and those that they are caring for by themselves or with the help of caregiver-aides. According to studies done by European Danone Research, there are several reasons for dehydration of the elderly:

1. Lean muscle mass and water storage decreases with age: With this comes an increase in body fat- a tissue that does not hold water. Four to six liters of body water can be lost between ages of 20 and 80. Therefore, even smaller losses of water can result in dehydration.

2. The Sensation of Thirst Becomes Dulled: Those mechanisms necessary for blood pressure regulation become less sensitive with age. In addition, neurotransmitters involved in thirst sensation are reduced impairing the regulation of fluid intake.

3. Kidney Function is Impaired: as we, age renal water conservation is impaired. Aged kidneys are not able to concentrate urine as well and less water as well. Impaired sodium regulation also occurs also reduces the body to maintain water regulation in the body.

4. Other Risk Factors: With aging come problems with the throat resulting in swallowing and speaking difficulties. There may be comprehension and communication problems with caregivers as well. Dehydration can be caused by too warm rooms. Caregivers may forget to give water, etc. In addition, some people rather have coffee or sugary pop drinks resulting in more dehydration. Prescription drugs such as diuretics and laxatives can also cause poor water intake.

Prevention of Dehydration and the Need for Greater Monitoring

Fluid Recommendations: In the US, the National Academy of Science suggests 3.7 L (one woman) for men and 2.5 L (.62 woman) for women daily. The European Food Safety Authority has set a reference value of 2.5 L (.62 woman) for elderly men and 2 L (.50 woman) for women (1 gal = 1 oz). It is doubtful that these recommendations are followed. A 2009 study showed that 63% of those between the ages of 65-74 did not meet the recommendations. In addition, at age 85, the number of those not meeting the recommendation rose to 81%!

This constant state of dehydration has caused increased mortality rates among the hospitalized elderly (Mentes, 2006). Those hospitalized for dehydration the mortality rate was 50%. Even when not hospitalized for dehydration, resulting lack of fluids increases the 12 monthly mortality risks by 16-78%. It was also found that dehydration could increase the risk of repeated hospitalizations.

Dehydration complicates aging with impaired cognitive function and more falls. Supplements such as Advocare Rehydrate, Gatorade, and Cytomax cannot be used because of complications from condition such Congestive Heart Failure. Sodium and Potassium levels must also be monitored more closely in the elderly as well.

Conclusion

Water is often a forgotten nutrient. It is an important part of the diet and without proper hydration can result in more difficult and uncomfortable aging process. For active seniors it is a given that water is necessary. However, the older population and their caregivers sometimes overlook it. One cannot overemphasize the importance of water intake on a daily basis.

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