Which of the following is a non-modifiable risk factor for osteoarthritis?

• A. Bacteria
• B. Diuretics
• C. Aging
• D. Smoking

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is identifying a risk factor you cannot change. In osteoarthritis, aging is the non-modifiable factor because you can’t alter how old you are, and the risk of joint wear and degenerative changes naturally increases with years. With age, cartilage quality can decline, repair processes slow, and bone remodeling around joints can contribute to OA—even in joints that haven’t been injured.

The other options don’t fit as non-modifiable risks. Bacteria are related to infections that can cause septic arthritis, not the typical degenerative OA process. Diuretics are medications and are not a factor that inherently increases the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis. Smoking is a modifiable lifestyle factor; while it impacts overall health, it isn’t considered a fixed, non-modifiable risk for OA in the same way aging is.