Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine. A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery. It can impair a person's ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged or permanent disability or even death. Spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity. One-third of American women over age 65 will eventually have a spinal fracture.
Many people think of bones as hard and lifeless structures.
However, they actually are complex, living tissue. Bones provide structural support for muscles, protect vital organs, and store the calcium essential for bone density and strength. Because bones are constantly changing, they can heal and are affected by diet and exercise. Until the age of about 35, you build and store bone efficiently. Then, as part of the natural aging process, your bones begin to break down faster then new bones can form.