Our bodies get stiffer with age primarily due to several interconnected biological changes:
- Decreased collagen and elastin production: Collagen keeps tissues supple, and elastin helps tendons and ligaments remain flexible. Both decrease with age, making joints and connective tissues stiffer.
- Joint wear and osteoarthritis: Cartilage between joints wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
- Loss of muscle mass and strength: Muscle mass declines naturally after age 30 unless actively maintained, weakening support for joints and contributing to stiffness.
- Reduced synovial fluid production: This joint lubricant decreases with age, causing joints to feel dry and stiff.
- Changes in the extracellular matrix and connective tissue: The muscle-tendon complex becomes more rigid, adding to stiffness and limiting joint motion.
- Decreased blood circulation and arterial flexibility can also contribute to stiffness and heaviness sensations in muscles and joints.
In summary, stiffness results from structural changes in muscles, joints, connective tissues, and biochemical factors reducing flexibility and lubrication, alongside muscle weakening. Staying active can help maintain mobility and reduce stiffness.
