Aging is a major risk factor for diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis. However, they are not necessarily the results of aging, and the relationship between changes in bone and cartilage associated with aging and disease progression is still unclear. Studies have shown that the development and progression of OA is not a simple cartilage wear process, while its occurrence involves complex biological, chemical and mechanical changes in the tissues of the entire joint, especially the interaction of mechanics and biochemistry between cartilage and subchondral bone. Aging contributes to the occurrence and development of OA, but it is not the cause of OA. Changes associated with aging provide a foundation for OA to start, making joints more susceptible to other factors such as abnormal biomechanics and biochemistry, thereby promoting the development of OA. Therefore, understanding the basic mechanisms by which aging affects joint tissue may provide new targets for slowing or preventing the development of OA. In this paper, the related research progresses are reviewed from three aspects, i.e. age-related changes in cartilage and subchondral bone, mechanical conduction and angiogenesis.