How does physical activity affect bone health in older adults?

 Physical activity can have a positive impact on bone health in older adults. Here are some ways in which physical activity affects bone health in older adults:

• Physical activity interventions probably improve bone health among older adults and thus prevent osteoporosis
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• Higher levels of physical activity are associated with better bone health
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• People who are physically inactive have a higher risk of osteoporosis than do their more-active counterparts
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• Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and weightlifting, can help to build and maintain bone density
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• High-impact physical activities with bone strains of high magnitude and frequency may benefit bone health
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Although this review has revealed a small effect of physical activity on bone health, this finding should be interpreted considering the additional benefits of physical activity on other risk factors for fractures in older people, such as falls, poor strength, and balance. Taken together, these findings suggest that it is likely that physical activity generates clinically meaningful benefits for the prevention of osteoporosis in older people

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.In summary, physical activity can improve bone health and prevent osteoporosis in older adults. Weight-bearing exercises and high-impact physical activities with bone strains of high magnitude and frequency may benefit bone health. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, to help reduce the degree of bone loss.

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biomedcentral

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nih

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nih

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wiley