What is the most common issue with your bones as you get older?

What is the most common issue with your bones as you get older?

A woman’s estrogen levels drop after menopause, and bone loss speeds up. That’s why osteoporosis is most common among older women. But men get osteoporosis, too.

What happens to the bone as a person gets older?

People lose bone mass or density as they age, especially women after menopause. The bones lose calcium and other minerals. Between each bone is a gel-like cushion (called a disk). With aging, the middle of the body (trunk) becomes shorter as the disks gradually lose fluid and become thinner.

Why do human bones become weak in old age?

As you age, your body may reabsorb calcium and phosphate from your bones instead of keeping these minerals in your bones. This makes your bones weaker. When this process reaches a certain stage, it is called osteoporosis. Many times, a person will fracture a bone before they even know they have bone loss.

What destroys old bone?

To destroy bone, osteoclasts use specific cell structures called podosomes, which are organized into rings by the actin cytoskeleton. Podosomes act like “snap fasteners” between the bone and the osteoclast by forming a kind of “suction cup” in which the bone is degraded.

What medication is used to treat osteoporosis?

Which osteoporosis medications are usually tried first?

• Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill.
• Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill.
• Ibandronate (Boniva), a monthly pill or quarterly intravenous (IV) infusion.
• Zoledronic acid (Reclast), an annual IV infusion.

How can bone loss be minimized in older adults?

Exercise. Specifically weight training and walking are beneficial for increasing bone density in middle-aged and older people [77]. Regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises can reduce the risk of falls and fractures [78, 79, 80, and 81].

What happens if bone density is low?

A person may have low bone mass at any age but not develop osteoporosis. However, if a person has low bone mass and continues to lose bone density, this may lead to osteoporosis. A combination of low bone mass and a risk factor for fracture may increase your risk for broken bones, too.

How can older adults prevent bone loss?

There are things you should do at any age to prevent weakened bones. Eating foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D is important. So is regular weight-bearing exercise, such as weight training, walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs, tennis, and dancing.

How are the bones in the body affected by aging?

With aging, the middle of the body (trunk) becomes shorter as the disks gradually lose fluid and become thinner. Vertebrae also lose some of their mineral content, making each bone thinner. The spinal column becomes curved and compressed (packed together). Bone spurs caused by aging and overall use of the spine may also form on the vertebrae.

What happens to an older person with osteoporosis?

If the bone breaks, it’s a major hint that an older person has osteoporosis. Broken bones can lead to serious problems for seniors. The hip is a common site for osteoporosis, and hip fractures can lead to a downward spiral of disability and loss of independence.

What causes bones to thicken and lose cartilage?

The finger joints lose cartilage and the bones thicken slightly. Finger joint changes are more common in women. These changes may be inherited. Lean body mass decreases. This decrease is partly caused by a loss of muscle tissue ( atrophy ). The speed and amount of muscle changes seem to be caused by genes.

How to prevent problems with bones and muscles?

Exercise is one of the best ways to slow or prevent problems with the muscles, joints, and bones. A moderate exercise program can help you maintain strength, balance, and flexibility. Exercise helps the bones stay strong. Talk to your health care provider before starting a new exercise program.