Key Points:
- Bone mass naturally decreases with age.
- Osteoporosis weakens bones silently, showing no symptoms until a fracture occurs.
- Preventive measures like calcium intake, exercise, and certain medications can bolster bone strength.
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones thin out and weaken, raising the risk of fractures from minor incidents like a fall. Before reaching this stage, many people experience osteopenia—a milder form of bone weakening that hasn’t yet progressed to fragility. Neither condition causes pain or noticeable symptoms on its own. When discomfort arises, it’s typically due to a fracture.
Here are the stories of three individuals navigating life with osteoporosis, alongside expert insights on maintaining bone health.
Theresa Reagan: Mastering the Art of Falling
At 62, Theresa Reagan, a retired educator from Holland, Michigan, was stunned by her 2022 osteoporosis diagnosis. “I thought I’d done everything to avoid this,” she says. Her health journey began decades earlier with endometriosis in her 20s, treated with contraceptive injections that eased her pain but risked bone loss—a trade-off she accepted for a better quality of life. Then, at 44, breast cancer treatment—including a lumpectomy, hysterectomy, and radiation—plunged her into menopause, further threatening her bones.
A 2009 DEXA scan revealed osteopenia, prompting Theresa to adopt yoga, weightlifting, daily walks, and a calcium-rich diet while minimizing fall risks. Despite her efforts, a 2022 scan confirmed osteoporosis, likely influenced by genetics. Now on weekly alendronate sodium (70 mg), she’s taken a proactive step: learning to fall safely via YouTube tutorials. A recent tumble in San Francisco tested her skills—she rolled, bruised her arm, but avoided fractures. “I felt good about landing safely,” she says, embracing her optimistic outlook.
Fortune Koon: Hiking Through Challenges
Fortune Koon, 49, from Tampa, Florida, turned adversity into purpose through thru-hiking. In May 2022, he began the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) to reset after surviving strokes, cancer, and other health scares. A day into the hike, illness struck, followed by severe back pain after 200 miles. Tests revealed a T7 vertebrae compression fracture and an osteoporosis diagnosis at age 47—surprising for someone so active.
With a tailored plan—calcium, vitamin D, pain management, and cautious movement—Fortune hiked 1,850 more miles on the PCT before wildfires intervened. In 2024, he tackled the Appalachian Trail, raising osteoporosis awareness in memory of his late daughter. Social media updates of his journey inspire others, like a woman in New Hampshire who, after breaking her femur, credited Fortune’s story with motivating her recovery. “Fear shouldn’t dictate your life,” he says, stronger than ever with his 25-lb backpack.
Jacqui Garrison: Aging with Fierce Determination
Jacqui Garrison, a 64-year-old health coach from Oceanside, California, faced osteopenia in her 40s after a baseline scan. A runner with a healthy diet, she added weightlifting to build bone mass. At 50, a fall on her boat cracked ribs—a warning she later recognized. Subsequent scans revealed benign thymus tumors requiring surgery, and by 55, osteoporosis had set in despite her active lifestyle. Prescribed alendronate, she stopped due to side effect concerns tied to a prior jaw condition.
Devastated at first, Jacqui researched nutrition and menopause’s impact on bones, collaborating with her daughter, a nutritional therapy student. This fueled her shift to health coaching during COVID-19. Now, she prioritizes sleep, stress management, and a diet rich in vegetables and protein, alongside Pilates, heavy lifting, and yoga. Sharing her expertise online, she aims to empower women to thrive in midlife. “I feel vibrant and plan to age fiercely,” she says.
Expert Perspective: Bone Health Matters
Bones naturally weaken with age, but excessive loss can lead to osteoporosis, heightening fracture risks—especially to hips, which can severely impact mobility and even prove fatal. Since osteoporosis is symptomless until a break occurs, routine DEXA scans are vital for early detection, ideally catching osteopenia first. This window allows for interventions like medication, calcium, vitamin D, and exercise to slow progression and reduce fall risks.
While genetics and certain treatments (e.g., for cancer or endometriosis) can erode bone density beyond one’s control, lifestyle choices matter. Avoiding smoking, staying active, and exploring newer medications with fewer side effects can help. An endocrinologist can customize a plan to optimize bone health, ensuring you stay mobile and independent as you age.