When bone breakdown exceeds new development, bone loss occurs. Factors affecting bone loss include aging, sedentary lifestyle, nutritional deficiencies, and menopause. For children and young people, physical activity contributes to the amount and strength of bone attained at maturity. For adults, physical activity seems to delay the time when bone loss begins and slow the rate of loss when it occurs. Such activities include walking, running, dancing, court games, and the like.
Research shows that exercising with weights can also be helpful.
On the nutrition side, adequate calcium in the diet is important during adolescence. Special attention should be paid to calcium intake during puberty because about 60 percent of the final bone mass develops at this time. Older adults must take similar care. Proper attention to calcium in the diet at this age has demonstrated beneficial effects on bone mass when combined with regular physical activity. In our adult years, a healthy, balanced diet will provide all the calcium we need.