[Becoming older with axial spondyloarthritis]

The combination of physiological age-related changes (e. g. reduction in muscle mass and function, reduction in organ function and degenerative changes in joints) and disease-specific changes of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), make older AS patients vulnerable for additional diseases. In this patient population various processes lead to a reduction in physical function, changes in posture, osteoporosis and sarcopenia, which then can result in falls and fractures, especially vertebral fractures. Mortality is increased in patients with AS, particularly in men due to an increase in cardiovascular mortality. Although the standardized assessment of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (independent of age) has been recommended for years, it is rarely done in clinical practice. Overall, data on comorbidities and risk factors are only available for AS patients and are lacking for other forms of spondyloarthritides.