Getting on and off our list. Osteoporosis involves thinning and weakening of bones and is a very serious and common problem throughout the world. Osteoporosis is most often seen in older people since bones become thinner, weaker and brittle with aging. The United States has one of the world's highest rates of osteoporosis. Between 15 and 20 million Americans suffer from this disease.
Women are more likely than men to have poor bone health.
One out of every five American women over the age of 65 has fractured one or more bones. The good news is that diet and lifestyle changes can greatly reduce the risk of osteoporosis. As many as 50 different factors affect bone health. For example, exercise is very important for developing strong bones and for keeping bones from getting thin. Physical activity can slow the loss of bone matter that occurs with aging.