Ageing and disability (osteoarthritis and osteoporosis)

The majority of the population in Australia and New Zealand anticipate a lifetime of independence and good health that allows them to maintain a self-directed lifestyle. However, living a healthy and productive life does not necessarily protect the individual from varying levels of disability later in life due to the natural changes of ageing, life's physical stressors and individual genetic make-up. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis a development of osteoarthritis are obesity, misalignment of bones and joints, joint trauma and injury, repetitive occupational joint use and physical inactivity (Rahman et al., 2005, p. 26; Rooney, 2004; Swift, 2012a). John's situation illustrates a number of controllable and non-controllable factors that have placed him at greater risk of developing osteoarthritis. The uncontrollable factors include his age and his genetic disposition or family history. Being male docs reduce his risk but this does not prevent osteoarthritis developing (AIHW, 2010; Rahman et al., 2005; Rooney, 2004). His efforts to control his weight over a lifetime have possibly reduced the onset of disability in the light of other biomechanical factors. John has had a physically strenuous working life as a plumber and has experienced multiple but relatively minor spinal injuries. However, both his occupation and the frequency of back injuries have made him aware of the benefits of body mechanics, weight control, exercise and activity to maintain mobility and independence. Until he retired he was physically active but his recent surgeries and therapy have reduced his exercise capacity and thus increased his risk of disability. While his treatment for cancer has been successful to date, it has constrained his lifestyle and reduced his energy levels.