Medical Myths about ageing 4

 Medical News Today is an interesting newsletter that comes out with all sorts of fascinating material In the latest installment of our Medical Myths series, they tackle myths associated with ageing. Because ageing is inevitable and, for some people, frightening, it is no surprise that myths abound.

The article was written by Tim Newman on September 7, 2020, and Fact checked by Anna Guildford, Ph.D.

In our Medical Myths series, we approach medical misinformation head-on. Using expert insight and peer-reviewed research to wrestle fact from fiction, MNT brings clarity to the myth-riddled world of health journalism.

4. Only women get osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones gradually become weaker. Some people believe that it only affects women. This is not true; it can affect either sex and people of any age. However, osteoporosis is indeed much more common in older people, white people, and females.

 According to an overview article the International Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that globally, around 1 in 3 women over 50 have osteoporosis, and about 1 in 5 men will experience a bone fracture related to osteoporosis in their lifetime.

 Another related myth is that osteoporosis is inevitable for women as they age. As the figures above attest, two-thirds of women over 50 do not have osteoporosis. To minimize risks, the National Institute on Aging advise people to eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D and exercise regularly.