Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent disease involving degeneration of articular cartilage and chronic inflammation of the joints, with Worldwide estimates that 9.6% of men and 18.0% of women aged >60 years have symptomatic OA. Prevalence increases with age, such that OA is expected to be the fourth leading cause of disability by the year 2020 (WHO report, 2003). Thus factors that slow the onset or progression of this disease will significantly benefit the well-being of older people.