shirline
Silver Member
Joined: 30 Nov 1999
Posts: 261
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 Posted: 12/26/06 - 01:48 Post subject: |
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It's no secret that our bodies change as we age, but changes are obvious, while others are more subtle. Many people age comfortably and remain active, alert and vibrant throughout their lives, but I believe their physiologic age may be quite younger than their chronological age. Others, however, may experience the effects of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, which can gradually diminish their abilities. As muscles age, they begin to shrink and lose mass, but this is a natural process. A sedentary lifestyle can accelerate it. The number and size of muscle fibers also decrease, also the water content of tendons, the cord-like tissues that attach muscles to bones, decreases. Handgrip strength decreases, making it more difficult to accomplish routine activities such as opening a jar or turning a key and most important the heart muscle becomes less able to propel large quantities of blood quickly to the body, so we tire more quickly and take longer to recover.
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