The three lows of a super-aged society: osteoporosis, degenerative arthritis, and sarcopenia
As society enters an "ultra-aged" phase, the "three lows" have become the three invisible threats affecting the mobility and independence of middle-aged and older adults. These are interconnected and require early recognition and prevention.
The First "Low": Osteoporosis — 4 Major Risks
- Extremely prone to fractures
- Difficult to heal
- Common sites: Vertebral compression fractures, wrist bones
- Silent and difficult to detect
The Second "Low": Low Joint Repair Capability (Osteoarthritis) — The Vicious Cycle of Osteoarthritis
- Deformity in appearance
- Psychological stress
- Leads to sarcopenia
- Unable to walk normally → Restricted activity → Accelerated deterioration → Risk of falls due to sarcopenia
The Third "Low": Sarcopenia — Severe Consequences
- Unsteady gait
- Metabolic abnormalities
- Increased mortality risk