Care and mobility considerations
From middle age onwards, bones gradually become less dense and are more liable to fracture. This is a normal part of the ageing process.
Osteoporosis is a condition where this process of bone thinning is greatly accelerated. Osteoporotic bones are brittle and are much more likely to fracture. The healing of osteoporotic fractures is not impaired, so any resultant disability may not last more than a few weeks or months. This is often the case in the younger person. However in the elderly, who have sustained repeated fractures and progressive collapse of the spine, no significant improvement in disability is likely.
Osteoporosis alone does not typically cause functional restrictions or problems with self - care or difficulty getting around. However, resulting fractures or vertebral collapse may have a significant impact to self - care or getting around.
