In a move to address the growing risk of osteoporosis among older adults, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has issued new guidelines recommending that all women aged 65 and older be screened for the condition. Osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones over time, is particularly common among postmenopausal women due to a decrease in estrogen levels, which play a critical role in maintaining bone density.
Osteoporosis is often referred to as the “silent disease” because it can progress without noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs. The condition weakens bones, making them more brittle and prone to breaks. Although the disease primarily affects older adults, particularly women after menopause, it can also impact men, though to a lesser extent.
The USPSTF emphasized that advancing age is a significant factor in osteoporosis-related fractures. “Older adults have much higher fracture rates than younger adults with the same bone mineral density,” the task force noted, citing the added risks of deteriorating bone quality and increased chances of falls in older populations.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, around 10 million Americans over the age of 50 suffer from osteoporosis, with the vast majority being women. Several factors contribute to an individual’s risk of developing osteoporosis, including age, gender, family history, lifestyle choices like smoking and alcohol consumption, and deficiencies in vital nutrients such as vitamin D and calcium.
Experts recommend that older adults adopt preventive measures to reduce their osteoporosis risk. These include engaging in regular weight-bearing exercises, maintaining a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
This new screening guideline aims to identify women at risk earlier, allowing for interventions that can prevent fractures and improve quality of life for those affected by osteoporosis.
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