Final answer:
Osteoporosis in older women is often caused by the loss of estrogen, which leads to a decrease in osteoblastic activity and the loss of bone mass. This condition is more common in women, especially after menopause. To prevent osteoporosis, it is important to have a balanced diet with sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake and engage in weight-bearing exercise.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteoporosis is more common in women than in men, especially in older women, due to the loss of estrogen. When women go through menopause, their ovaries reduce in size and stop producing estrogen, a hormone that promotes the production of bone matrix. The decrease in estrogen leads to a decrease in osteoblastic activity and results in the loss of bone mass. However, men can also develop osteoporosis, and anyone with a family history of the disease has a greater risk of developing it. The best way to prevent osteoporosis is to have a childhood diet that includes adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D and to engage in weight-bearing exercise. These actions promote bone mass accumulation and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.