Osteoporosis is a common condition

Dear Dr. Roach: I’m 86, and was diagnosed with two compression fractured vertebrae. This was followed by a diagnosis of osteoporosis. The doctor who diagnosed it told me that it was a disease mainly of the northern part of the planet, places like Ireland, where I came from originally. I had never heard of such a disease, have you? — V.V.M.

Osteoporosis is a very common condition in adults older over 50, effecting women more than men, whites and Asians more than Black, and people living far from the equator are at higher risk.Treatment is ideally to prevent the fracture from happening in the first place.

The best diagnosis tool for osteoporosis is measuring bone density with a specialized X-ray called a DEXA. Osteoporosis is defined as a VERY low bone mass or by a history of a typical fracture consistent with low bone mass.

Compression fractures of the vertebrae are more common than the even more serious hip fractures, but are probably less well known.

Primary preventive care for osteoporosis includes a diet containing adequate calcium, with enough vitamin D from food, sunlight or supplements; and exercise, particularly weight-bearing or higher-impact exercise. People who continue to have low bone mass or osteoporosis benefit from medication treatment.

Dear Dr. Roach: I am 59 years old and work out with weights. Can I still gain muscle, or am I too old? Either way I will continue working out. — C.D.

People at any age can gain strength, and muscle mass from exercise. Fifty-nine is very young! People in their 80s and beyond not only gain strength, but can reduce risk of falls and fractures through regular exercise. I do recommend getting a professional to help if you are not familiar with the equipment and techniques.