A decrease in flexibility of the shoulder and hip joints by
approximately 6 degrees per decade was observed across ages
55 to 86 years in both men and women. Analysis of age
subgroups shows that both shoulder and hip joints begin
to experience significant declines after 70 years. Physical
activity level did not explain a significant amount of the
variance in flexibility measures, and flexibility was not associated
with functional ability. While steeper gradients of
flexibility with age over certain thresholds may be indicated,
further analysis is warranted to discern whether the losses
in flexibility impact functional outcomes and the degree of
loss of range of motion that might relate to disability. In
particular, a more direct matching of specific limb range of
motion and meaningful functional outcome is needed, as
are longitudinal studies. Additionally, the specific type of
physical activity that may influence the age-related loss needs
to be further elucidated. Nevertheless, overall, in community dwelling
generally healthy older adults aged 55 to 85 years,
the age-related loss of flexibility appears to be small such that
the normal loss of joint range of motion (i.e., in the absence
of underlying clinical condition) is unlikely to neither impact
significantly on daily functions nor result in disability.