You have been in mind for the last week! I have been reading articles published on our topic.Lots of new information. I shall begin uploading pages to the web site later in the week. But for now..... .

1.Researchers now make a distinction between women's post menopausal bone loss and bone loss later in life. The latter they call "senile osteoporosis" - meaning of 'older age' -- not a loss of thinking power. .

Post menopausal Osteopenia, Osteoporosis is caused by the loss of Trabecular bone (the inner, spongy bone) while senile Osteopenia, Osteoporosis is caused by loss of BOTH Trabecular and the hard outer Cortical bone. THIS explains why bone fracture more easily in old age. The outer, cortical bone can no longer support weakened inner bone. .

I do not know about men. I have been searching the literature for relevant studies. But I think this information can have practical information for us.

A. Clearly balance exercises become more and more important as we age.

B. It is very important that persons in their late 70s, 80s and 90s stay off ladders. And NEVER bend forward from the waist (as most people do) to fill a dishwasher, pick something off the floor or even tuck the sheets into the corners of a bed. Get a light stool (with a back so it is easy to move from place to place) or have a chair near dishwashers, clothes dryers, beds etc. and SIT to load, unload or tuck in sheets. (I know, I have said that before...but people still bend and get crush fractures of their spines. Just look around at how many people have developed back humps in their older age.)

C. It is also important not to bend from the waist or round your back when picking up grandchildren....or when taking part in an exercise class. (Not every exercise leader knows this. Be independent. Your bones depend on it!)

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Please, please share this information with relatives and friends. Broken bones, even slight fractures are painful. And if they restrict our activity (as they often do) they put us at risk for vascular issues. If you or someone you know has senile Osteopenia or Osteoporosis, they need to be careful.

OK now for some good news.

End of year shopping lines

IMPORTANT tests

Also checking Vitamin D. Too low and you are at risk for porous bones and cancer. Too high and you are risk for atrial fibrillation - a heart condition that can kill you. You can not know your Vitamin D levels unless you check. The amount someone recommends may be too much or too little for you.

That is it. I wish you all the best. Researching this topic and sharing the information I find, helps give meaning to my old age.

kATE