Have you ever thought that people sometimes seem to shrink as the get older?   If you have, then you’re not imagining it.  Many older adults have a disease called osteoporosis, which actually causes their bones to get smaller.

Throughout life, our bones, which are made of living tissue, constantly make new bone cells and destroy old ones.  Once a person hits about thirty, his or her body begins destroying old cells faster than new ones are being made.  Even though the body doesn’t stop making new bone altogether, it isn’t being replaced fast enough to balance the rate at which it is being removed.

Eventually, this leads to bones that are thin and brittle, which means that they can break very easily.  Sometimes, a person’s bones become so fragile that they can fracture (break) even if a person sneezes or coughs too forcefully.

Luckily, there are ways to fight against osteoporosis. Making sure you eat a balanced diet with plenty of calcium and vitamin D helps to maintain strong bones. So does exercise, like walking, running, and soccer. 
Osteoporosis can lead to many painful and dangerous health problems.  By eating right and taking care of your body, you can help insure that your bones remain strong and healthy.