While getting older is the strongest risk factor for osteoporosis, many elderly individuals never develop the disorder. Dietary or supplemental calcium, vitamin D, exercise and good genes probably play a role. Avoiding risk factors is also important. Besides age, risk factors include:

• Being a postmenopausal woman or a man over age 70
• Being bedridden
• Having low body weight
• Smoking
• Having low testosterone (in men)
• Taking certain medications (such as corticosteroids, anti-estrogen drugs, or some anti-seizure medicines)
• Having certain medical conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, or an eating disorder
• Being Caucasian (as compared with African American)
• Missing menstrual periods
• Having alcoholism
• Having a family history of osteoporosis
• Having a low intake of calcium

Mrs Shilpa Mittal
Nutritionist and Diet Consultant
Founder Shilpsnutrilife – Diet and lifestylemakeover