Fragile bones: Why older people get osteoporosis and have falls

It is a condition in which bones become fragile and brittle, leading to higher risk of breakage

This article is part of our series on older people’s health. It looks at the changes and processes that occur in our body as we age, the conditions we’re more likely to suffer from and what we can do to prevent them.

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As the world’s population lives longer, the significance of osteoporosis and fractures increases.

In Australia, it is estimated that 4.74 million Australians aged over 50 have osteoporosis, osteopenia (less severe than osteoporosis) or poor bone health. By 2022, it’s estimated this will increase to 6.2 million, with one fracture occurring