WVDHHR > Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease > Focus Areas > Arthritis > WV Osteoporsis and Arthritis Program

Osteoporosis and Men

Why is osteoporosis serious for men?

One in four men older than 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. But the problem with osteoporosis isn't just broken bones. The problem is that when you're older, breaking a bone is serious. It often starts a downward spiral of pain, disability, deformity, and the loss of independence.

Breaking a hip, for example, leads to immobility, which in turn can cause isolation and health problems. Twenty percent of seniors who break a hip will die within one year. Many of those who survive will need long-term nursing home care.

Be good to your bones.

It's smart to start protecting your bones when you're young. If you don't form enough bone, then you might be at a disadvantage when you're older, when many men lose bone faster than they make it. However, if you are older and you haven't been focusing on your bone health, don't be discouraged about the bone you might have already lost. You are never too old to protect your bones. But take action now. Once you start to lose bone density, it's hard to build it up again.

What can I do for my bones?

The recipe for bone health is simple:

Get enough calcium and vitamin D, and eat a well-balanced diet
Do weight-bearing and resistance exercises
Don't smoke
Drink alcohol only in moderation
Talk to your doctor or health care provider about your bone health