Each day presents itself as an opportunity to enhance your health and fitness level by engaging in physical activity. If, however, you choose to be physically active, you make an investment in your health account. This investment is especially important in combating age-related declines in metabolism, muscle mass and bone density. With regard to osteoporosis, many older people, especially women, have bankrupt health accounts because they didn't invest in their health when they were younger by exercising regularly and eating properly. Osteoporosis is caused by the loss of bone mass, creating thin, porous bones which are fragile and easily fractured.
Fractures typically occur in the hip, spine and wrist.
A hip fracture usually requires hospitalization, can limit a person's ability to walk unassisted and may cause permanent disability or even death. Fractures of the vertebra in the spine also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain and deformity. Bone Basics Bone isn't a lifeless structure but a complex, living tissue. It has the capacity for growth and regeneration if damaged and is sensitive to the forces it experiences. Bone tissue is constantly undergoing remodeling in which old bone is removed and new bone is formed.