Let's look at some natural ways we can help ourselves insure that our skeletal systems do not break down and decrease or ruin our quality of life as we age. Walking is an excellent exercise as is resistance training. All of these elements are critical for bone health. Vitamin D is especially important. Get an hour of sunlight a day.
Whole grains prevent the absorption of calcium.
The best time to take calcium is at bedtime. Minimize or eliminate sugar-based foods. As with most disease conditions, it's how we live that plays a key role regarding onset and degree of disability we suffer. Keeping ourselves living in an active and balanced way minimizes the potential of developing not only osteoporosis, but also many of the degenerative diseases we see in the industrialized world. Exercise, balanced emotions, a firm sense of our place in the universe, healthy diets and proper supplementation keep our immune systems functioning in high order.