Summary
Musculoskeletal
deterioration is a major cause of loss of function as we age. From 50 onwards loss
of muscle, bone mass and collagen lead to reduced strength, susceptibility to
fracture, and problems with joints. When somebody is 70 and these problems have
been going on for 20 years, they frequently are frail. Frailty is
a specific term for a tragic inability to perform daily acts of living and consequently
reduced independence. When we say ‘so and so is looking old …’ what we mean is
they are looking frail.
