Promoting mobility and healthy aging in men: a narrative review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Musculoskeletal Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Mobility is vital for older men's health and well-being.
• Limited mobility is a growing public health concern due to aging populations and comorbidities.
• Existing guidelines lack specific strategies for maintaining mobility in healthy aging older men.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors affecting bone, muscle, and joint health in older men.
• To identify interventions for preventing mobility loss and promoting healthy aging.
• To address the literature gap regarding mobility maintenance strategies for older men.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a narrative literature review using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar.
• Included primary studies, meta-analyses, reviews, and guidelines focusing on older men's mobility.
• Focused on bone, muscle, joint health, and balance as key elements.

Main Results:

• Identified numerous risk factors impacting bone, muscle, and joint health in older men.
• Osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and osteoarthritis are common conditions linked to disability and mortality.
• Nonpharmacological (exercise, nutrition) and pharmacological interventions show promise in prevention and reversal.

Conclusions:

• Lifestyle interventions including exercise and nutrition, started earlier in life, can mitigate age-related musculoskeletal deterioration.
• Addressing barriers like poor health and social isolation is crucial for optimizing physical activity outcomes.
• Further research is needed, but current evidence supports proactive strategies for maintaining mobility in older men.