Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment
True or False: Osteoporosis is a disease of the elderly population.
True
False
Only affects women
Only affects people with family history
The correct answer is: False
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures. While it is commonly associated with the elderly population, it is not exclusively a disease of this demographic. Osteoporosis can affect individuals of various ages, particularly those who have risk factors such as hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies (especially calcium and vitamin D), sedentary lifestyle, certain medical conditions, and use of specific medications. Additionally, while it is often recognized that women, especially post-menopausal women, are at a higher risk due to the decrease in estrogen levels affecting bone density, osteoporosis also affects men and can develop in younger individuals under certain conditions, such as prolonged corticosteroid use or underlying health issues. Consequently, the understanding of osteoporosis has broadened, acknowledging that it is not limited to the elderly population or confined to women, nor solely tied to family history. It can arise from a combination of various factors that influence bone health across different life stages.