There is a normal loss of muscle as adults age, however it is mostly due to decreased activity levels and disuse atrophy. Muscular strength peaks around the age of 30 and remains constant to around 50 years of age. There is an accelerated loss after age 50, with 20-40% strength loss by age 65 in non-exercising adults. Remaining active as we age is an important educational aspect for aging adults. Other changes include; a reduction of muscular power due to loss of speed of contractions because of changes in nerve conduction and synaptic transmission. Muscles will also fatigue more easily with decreased  oxygen delivery to the muscles. Connective tissue will become stiffer as we age and with decreased use. This again shows the importance of improving aging adults functional abilities through exercise, including strength, endurance, flexibility, and range of motion. 

It is normal for aging adults to lose bone mass and density, bone density peaks around age 40. Between 45-70 years of age woman lose approximately 25% and men approximately 15%. Aging adults see changes in cartilage including stiffening, due to decreased water content. The decreased water content will also  cause the intervertebral disks to flatten and become less resilient. Intervertebral changes and loss of bone density will reduce trunk length and height, causing forward head, kyphosis of the thoracic spine, and flattening of the lumbar spine. Interventions that may help aging adults include weight-bearing exercises to decrease bone loss, education and exercises for the reduction for falls and improved posture.