What impact does aging have on the skeletal system?

As individuals age, several changes occur in the skeletal system, and one significant impact is the increased brittleness of bones. This brittleness is primarily due to a decrease in bone density and changes in the composition of bone tissue. As a person ages, bone remodeling processes become less efficient, leading to the gradual loss of bone mass. The minerals, particularly calcium, and collagen that provide strength and flexibility to bones may also decline, making them more susceptible to fractures and breaks.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the effects of aging on bones. The assertion that aging leads to increased elasticity or increased calcium density contradicts the observed degeneration of bone structure over time. Furthermore, rather than decreasing the chance of fractures, aging actually increases the risk due to the factors mentioned. Understanding these changes is essential in addressing the health needs of the elderly population, including fall prevention strategies and appropriate dietary measures to support bone health.