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Bone health for older adults

Osteopenia and osteoporosis

Bone loss often causes no symptoms until a fracture occurs. Knowing your risks—and when to ask about a bone-density test—can help protect mobility and independence.

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Three quick medication-safety questions

1. A complete medicine list should include nonprescription products, vitamins, and supplements.

2. It is safe to suddenly stop any medicine that might cause dizziness.

3. A pharmacist can help check for duplicate medicines and interactions.

How confident are you about using a medicine list and asking medication-safety questions?

Privacy: no name, email address, birth date, diagnosis, medicine, provider, or caregiver-record entry is collected. An anonymous code on this device connects the starting and follow-up checks.

Osteopenia

Bone mineral density is lower than normal, but not low enough to meet the definition of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis

Bones have become weaker and are more likely to fracture, sometimes after a minor fall or everyday movement.

Risk factors

  • A parent or sibling with osteoporosis, especially a parent who fractured a hip
  • A fracture after a minor fall or low-impact injury
  • Older age or menopause
  • Low body weight or a small body frame
  • Long-term corticosteroid use, such as prednisone
  • Smoking, heavy alcohol use, low physical activity, or low calcium and vitamin D intake

Warning signs

Osteoporosis is often silent. Discuss these signs with a healthcare professional:

  • A broken bone after a minor fall, bump, or routine movement
  • Loss of height over time
  • A stooped or hunched posture
  • New or persistent back pain

Do not wait for symptoms if you have risk factors. Ask whether a DXA bone-density scan is appropriate.

Common bisphosphonates

  • Alendronate
    Fosamax
  • Risedronate
    Actonel, Atelvia
  • Ibandronate
    Boniva
  • Zoledronic acid
    Reclast

How often they are taken and whether they are swallowed or given by infusion varies. Follow the exact instructions from your prescriber and pharmacist.

Protecting your bones

  • Take medicines exactly as directed.
  • Ask about calcium and vitamin D needs before starting supplements.
  • Use weight-bearing, strength, and balance activities that are safe for you.
  • Reduce fall hazards and review medicines that cause dizziness or sleepiness.
  • Keep routine medical, pharmacy, and dental appointments.

Trusted resources

Clinical reference: Reviewed by Nick Anderson, PharmD · September 13, 2026.

General education only. This page does not replace individualized advice. Never change or stop a medicine without guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

Finished this guide? Record what you learned

Your anonymous answers help evaluate medication-safety knowledge, confidence, and intended next steps.

Three quick medication-safety questions

1. A complete medicine list should include nonprescription products, vitamins, and supplements.

2. It is safe to suddenly stop any medicine that might cause dizziness.

3. A pharmacist can help check for duplicate medicines and interactions.

How confident are you about using a medicine list and asking medication-safety questions?
What do you plan to do?

After submitting, you can use the same anonymous code for the optional 30-day action check.

Nick Anderson, PharmDClinical referenceNick Anderson, PharmDBCGP certification lapsed · View professional profile

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