Multiple age-related stresses converge on the induction of senescent hallmarks in articular joint cells. These cells can exhibit the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and secrete factors (including chemokines, cytokines, proteases and growth factors) that act independently or together to induce changes commonly found in osteoarthritic tissues. ADAMTS, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs; CCL, CC-chemokine ligand; ECM, extracellular matrix; GM-CSF, granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor; GRO, growth-regulated alpha protein; IGFBP, insulin-like growth factor binding protein; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; OA, osteoarthritis; OSM, oncostatin M; ROS, reactive oxygen species; SA heterochromatin, senescence-associated heterochromatin; TGFβ, transforming growth factor-β.