Observations of senior citizen decrepitude is easily facilitated by their presence everywhere. Currently, there is nothing conclusive about the approximate age that the onset of decrepitude occurs. At this time, anecdotal evidence suggests rapid physical degeneration after 70 years of age. Some common characteristics of senior citizen physical decrepitude include:
- Musculoskeletal deformation (compressed spine, hunchback, lopsided torso, bow-leggedness, general shrinkage)
- Muscle atrophy (muscle loss, flab, emaciation)
- Skin aberrations (“old man” spots, blackish discoloration or splotches)
- Stiffness of joints.
There appears to be no way to combat the physical degradation of old age. Exercise, specifically weight and cardiovascular training, can help to prolong a fully ambulatory state. However, that time extension would be brief.