Osteoporosis is a bone problem that elderly people are most concerned about. Osteoporosis can make bones weak and brittle, thus making the sufferer's posture hunched over to the risk of fractures. Fractures due to osteoporosis are prone to occur in the hip, wrist or spine.
As you get older, bone density automatically decreases. Not only that, the formation of new bone slows down and is not in balance with the porous. So, is this condition only at risk for the elderly? Check out the following explanation.
Vulnerable Individuals Affected by Osteoporosis
Age is a major risk factor for osteoporosis. The reason is, bone density will reach its peak at the age of 30 years. Past that age, you will start to lose bone mass. However, age is not the only risk factor for osteoporosis, people with the following conditions are also prone to osteoporosis.
1. Women
Women, especially those who have reached the age of 50 and over, are the group of individuals who are most susceptible to developing osteoporosis. The chances are four times greater than men. The reason, women's bones are lighter and have a chance of a longer life. Even so, that doesn't mean men aren't at risk too, huh. Men are also at risk of developing osteoporosis, but with a smaller chance.
2. Heredity Osteoporosis
If your grandparents, or even your parents, had signs of osteoporosis, such as a broken hip after a minor fall, chances are you will too in later life.
3. Bone Structure and Body Weight
You must think that people who are overweight are more prone to osteoporosis. This turned out to be inaccurate. Someone who is petite or has a low body weight has a greater chance of developing osteoporosis. The reason is, women with this posture have less bone to remove than fat people who have larger frames.
4. Never Broken Bones
If you have had a fracture before, you may be at risk for developing osteoporosis later in life. This is because, the condition of your bones is not so strong anymore.
5. Ethnicity
Launching from WebMD, Caucasian and Asian women have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis than women of other ethnicities. The risk of hip fracture is also greater for Caucasian women than for African-American women.
6. Sickness
People with certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are more likely to have osteoporosis than others.
7. Taking Drugs
Long-term use of certain drugs, such as prednisone, is known to increase the risk of osteoporosis. If you are currently taking this drug, you should discuss it with your doctor further regarding the long-term benefits and side effects.
8. Unhealthy Lifestyle
Smoking and drinking alcohol are a lifestyle that can affect bone conditions. Not only bones, smoking and drinking alcohol can also cause various other health problems. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can lead to thinning of the bones and make bones more likely to fracture.