Published: May 7, 2025
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
You used to bounce back after a weekend of yard work — now your back feels it for days afterward. You started having knee pain when you use the stairs. Or maybe your hands started feeling stiff in the mornings. Any of this sound familiar?As the years go by, our bodies change, and certain symptoms remind us of the aging process. But how do you know when these body aches and pains are just part of normal aging? When are they signs of something that needs medical attention?“It’s important to address discomfort early, rather than pushing through pain or limiting your regular movement,” said Joshua H. Brandon, M.D., family medicine physician with Norton Community Medical Associates. “Your primary care provider can suggest early interventions to help you remain active and independent for as long as possible.”
As we get older, our bodies inevitably change. After age 55, normal signs of aging can involve some mild stiffness or achiness first thing in the morning, that improves as you move around. After being more active than usual, you might be more susceptible to general muscle soreness that resolves within a couple days. It might take longer to recover from physical exertion, compared with your younger years. Occasional joint stiffness, especially during weather changes, is common as well.However, you should be aware of the red-flag symptoms when it comes to aches and pains associated with aging:
As we age, a variety of factors can cause increased physical discomfort, including:
Arthritis: Over 50% of adults over 65 experience joint pain, with arthritis being one of the most common causes. Osteoarthritis, the wearing down of joint cartilage, is more common in older adults and often affects the knees, hips, hands and/or spine.Inflammation: Our bodies may develop more chronic inflammation with age, which can contribute to general body aches, muscle pain, joint pain and discomfort.
Past injuries: Old injuries can reemerge as pain points with age. Whether you broke a bone playing high school sports or hurt your neck in a car accident many years ago, the pain may become noticeable again.
Muscle changes: Sarcopenia is the gradual loss of muscle mass in older adults. This can put additional stress on joints and increase the risk for added strain during normal activities.
Underlying conditions: Your primary care provider can help rule out an underlying medical condition. Conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, peripheral vascular disease and other health issues also cause pain, stiffness or discomfort in muscles and joints.
Many adults avoid mentioning new aches and pains during checkups, thinking they’re just part of getting older or fearing they’ll be told to “just live with it.” The reality is that your primary care provider can be one of your greatest advocates in maintaining mobility and comfort as you age.Your provider can help rule out serious conditions and develop management strategies to address your pain. This may include lifestyle recommendations, medications or referrals to specialists like rheumatologists, orthopedists, physical therapists or pain management specialists.
Staying ahead of the aches and pains that come with aging can help preserve your mobility and independence during your older years. Incorporating the following lifestyle habits can help improve your quality of life:
When it comes to aging, you don’t have to accept persistent pain or misery as an inevitable part of the process. While some bodily changes come with aging, you don’t have to silently endure extreme pain without any medical help. Your provider can help support you on the journey of aging gracefully.