Final answer:
Osteoporosis is a skeletal condition common in older adults where bones lose density and become fragile, leading to an increased risk of fractures. It occurs due to an imbalance in bone resorption and formation. Unlike Paget's disease, osteoporosis does not involve haphazard new bone formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteoporosis: An Age-Related Skeletal Disorder
An age-related skeletal disease characterized by loss of bone mineral density and increased bone fragility is known as osteoporosis. This disease typically affects older adults as their bones begin to lose essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphate at a rate faster than they can be replaced. As a result, bones become more brittle and are at a higher risk of fracture, even with minimal stress or trauma. Osteoporosis represents a significant health concern as it is the most common cause of broken bones amongst the elderly. This condition stems from an imbalance between bone resorption (breakdown) and bone formation during the bone remodeling process, leading to weakened bones that are prone to breakage.
Osteoporosis differs from other disorders like Paget's disease, where the new bone formation is irregular and bones are structurally unsound. Effective management and treatment often involve addressing the underlying mechanisms of bone loss and considering the use of medications that target specific bone cells to help restore balance in bone remodeling.