Be Bone-Strong!

Older adults are vulnerable to the bone-thinning disease, osteoporosis. On the occasion of World Osteoporosis Day (20th October), we show you how not to let age make you a victim of it.

Osteoporosis can have serious ramifications, since it results in poor bone quality that increases the risk for fractures – but it is preventable and manageable with lifestyle-based strategies and medications if needed.

What puts you at risk for osteoporosis?

Age makes us susceptible to osteoporosis because as we get older, bone remodelling (the constant breakdown of old bone and rebuilding of new bone) shifts out of balance, and more bone is broken down than is rebuilt. Gender is also key: In women, the drop in estrogen levels that accompanies menopause inhibits the formation of new bone. Other risk factors include:

A family history of osteoporosis. Sustaining a minimal trauma fracture (for example, a fracture due to a fall) after age 50.

Certain comorbidities, including overactive thyroid, and gastrointestinal conditions that impede the absorption of calcium, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (studies suggest that as many as 30 to 60% of people with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis have low bone density).

Taking medications that can weaken bones

For example, corticosteroids such as prednisone, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs, which are used to treat gastro esophageal reflux disease). Some studies also suggest that a class of anti-depressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may affect bone density, but the risk is small and needs to be set against the benefits of taking SSRIs to treat depression.

Lifestyle factors

You are at greater risk for osteoporosis if your diet doesn’t contain enough calcium, you drink more than two alcoholic beverages per day (alcohol impedes the absorption of calcium from food), you smoke, and/ or you lead a sedentary lifestyle.