Final answer:
Osteoporosis refers to the weakening of bones due to significant bone mass loss and increased fragility, more common in older adults and post-menopausal women. It is preventable to some extent with a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D plus regular weight-bearing exercises.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by the significant loss of bone mass and an increase in bone fragility. This medical disorder typically occurs in older adults, where bones lose essential minerals like calcium and phosphate, leading to bones that become brittle and break with ease. This condition is exacerbated by hormonal changes such as those that occur in women during menopause, when estrogen levels decline, impacting bone density.
While osteoporosis is more prevalent in women, men also face this condition, particularly with a family history of the disease.
Preventative measures should ideally start with a childhood diet rich in calcium and vitamin D alongside regular weight-bearing exercise, which helps build bone mass. These steps are crucial in maximizing bone density before the age of 30 and reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.