Final answer:
Osteoporosis is a non-communicable disease that affects the elderly, causing bones to become brittle and prone to fractures. This condition often results from an imbalance between bone resorption and formation, with fractures commonly occurring in the femur, vertebrae, and wrist. The disease may become apparent only after a bone has been broken.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteoporosis: The Bone Thinning Disease of Old Age
Osteoporosis is a non-communicable disease that primarily affects the elderly, making their bones brittle and more susceptible to breaking. As we age, our bones naturally lose minerals such as calcium, which can lead to decreased bone density and increased fragility. Osteoporosis occurs when the rate of bone resorption by osteoclasts outpaces the rate of bone formation by osteoblasts, leading to significantly weakened bones.
In osteoporosis, bones may weaken to the point where fractures can occur with only minor stress or even spontaneously. This disorder is most commonly associated with fractures in the proximal ends of the femur, vertebrae, and wrist. The seriousness of the disease is evident when considering that a simple fall, or even a sneeze, can lead to a vertebral fracture. Unfortunately, the first indication of the disease is often a broken bone.
Additionally, factors such as hormonal changes, certain diseases, and medications can contribute to the onset and progression of osteoporosis. Osteoporotic fractures can significantly impair mobility and increase the risk of further complications like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia. Removing obstacles in the living environment to prevent falls is one approach to reducing the risk of fractures among the elderly.