Have you ever wondered why all of a sudden we are seeing so many people with osteoporosis?

Is this an epidemic, a generational issue, or is it normal, it happens to everyone, and we are just now finding this out?

I often wonder why Grandma didn’t have to deal with this, or maybe she didn’t know?

So I decided to investigate further:

Recent trends suggest a potential increase in the prevalence of osteoporosis, particularly among older adults, and specifically among women aged 50 and over. 

Here are some potential contributing factors to this observed or perceived increase in osteoporosis prevalence across different generations:

• Aging Population: Globally, life expectancies are increasing, which means more people are living into older age, where the risk of osteoporosis naturally rises due to age-related bone loss.
• Lifestyle Changes:
  • Increased Sedentary Habits: A significant portion of young people are leading increasingly sedentary lifestyles, spending much of their waking hours inactive. This lack of physical activity can hinder the development of strong bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Weight-bearing exercises are crucial for bone health and density.
  • Dietary Habits: Inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D can weaken bones over time, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. 
  • Insufficient protein intake can also negatively impact bone health.
  • Harmful Habits: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are risk factors that contribute to bone loss and increased fracture risk.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as heavy metals (cadmium, lead) and pollutants, can disrupt bone metabolism and contribute to bone loss and increased fracture risk.
• Medical Conditions and Medications: Several medical conditions and medications can affect bone health and increase the risk of osteoporosis, such as:
  • Certain endocrine and hormonal disorders.
  • Gastrointestinal diseases.
  • Anorexia nervosa.
  • Long-term use of corticosteroids.
  • Certain medications for cancer, seizures, or depression.
• Insufficient Dialogue and Screening: Studies suggest that postmenopausal women may be in denial about their personal osteoporosis risk and that there is a lack of dialogue about the condition with doctors, which can result in underdiagnosis and under-treatment. 

It is essential to note that genetics plays a significant role in determining bone mass and susceptibility to osteoporosis, as stated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, the factors mentioned above highlight how lifestyle, environment, and medical considerations can interact with genetic predisposition to influence the development and prevalence of osteoporosis across generations.

I also found out that osteoporosis seems to be more common in Asians. One reason for this may be that up to 90 percent of Asian Americans are lactose intolerant. Therefore, they may avoid dairy products, the primary source of calcium in the diet. Calcium is essential for building and maintaining a healthy skeleton. So, if you are lactose intolerant or don’t drink milk regularly, it’s important to find other sources of calcium in your diet. 

Crucially, maintaining bone health throughout life through proper nutrition, regular weight-bearing exercise, and addressing risk factors is paramount to reducing the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures.

I also know that my great-grandmother used to go walking and biking to do the groceries, eat a variety of whole foods, while also enjoying her favorite fruit bombons. And my grandmother used to jump rope inside her house when she was cold, even in her 90s. They both ate a varied diet and moved a lot more than most people do nowadays. 

I also notice the prevalence of diet culture and its spread through magazines before and social media now, which prompts women to be thin and small instead of strong and resilient. This is a pervasive notion that keeps coming back. It drills into our brains that our value is in how thin we are or look.

Only in recent years has there been a pushback about it, and more and more young women are getting involved in weightlifting, powerlifting, and other weight-bearing sports, giving them a strong and resilient physique instead of the thin and light rhetoric. 

The good news for these young women is that they are less likely to suffer from osteoporosis, osteopenia, or sarcopenia as they age, if they maintain their exercise habits throughout life, and even if they don’t, since more muscle and bone when you are young acts as an insurance poilcy or savings account, more to cover for any losses later. 

The good news for anyone older is that it is never really too late to get started; some may need to start with physiotherapists and rehabilitation. But for the general population with sarcopenia, we know that building muscle can happen at any age, and there is always a safe way to start.

For those with osteoporosis already, the degree will depend on what’s safe to do and where to get started. It’s important to consult with your doctor and ask if you can start a strength training program and if there is anything you shouldn’t do.

Once cleared, you can get started as soon as possible, because even if we can’t build muscle and bone quickly as in our younger years, we can still build and prevent further decrease, which can be as important as building more. 

If you are ready to start, we are building many options for you to get started. Please check the featured posts, our website, or ask us if you have any questions.

We want to see every woman become stronger and more resilient, one little step at a time 💪