The dangerous assumption people make about aging and how you can prevent a silent but potentially deadly disease

Osteoporosis is often dismissed as an inevitable part of aging.While bone mass naturally peaks in the late 20s and declines with age, the belief that this metabolic bone disease is guaranteed for everyone is a dangerous assumption — especially because osteoporosis can become deadly serious. That belief is also false: Osteoporosis is not inevitable, and there are steps people can take to prevent or slow bone loss.Clinically classified as a “silent disease” because bone loss happens without any pain, aching or physical warning, osteoporosis can go undetected as bone density decreases and bone tissue deteriorates, making bones increasingly fragile.Often, the first sign is a fracture caused by a minor fall or even a routine daily activity. Here, I’m setting the record straight on who is most at risk (spoiler alert: It’s not just older women), the factors that can increase risk and what steps can be taken today to protect bone health.Osteoporosis can have consequences that go far beyond a broken bone.Vertebral fractures can lead to chronic pain, while hip fractures in older adults are associated with a substantial risk of complications and death.Mortality after a hip fracture can approach 30% within one year in some studies. At the very least, a fracture can result in loss of mobility and independence, making it harder for someone to live on their own.Physical health isn’t all that can be impacted.

If people become afraid of falling, even normal daily activities can become difficult.They may exercise less, stop doing activities they enjoy and become socially isolated.Postmenopausal women are among those at highest risk for osteoporosis, but men can develop the disease, too.Having a previous fragility fracture — a fracture caused by a low-trauma event, such as a minor fall — also raises the risk of having another one.People with low BMI or low body weight are at increased risk, as are those who have experienced significant weight loss.

People who are ...