Our bones get thinner as we age, which raises the risk of fractures. Osteoporosis often has no symptoms until a bone breaks.
How exercise helps
Bones respond to the load placed on them. Weight-bearing and strength exercise help maintain bone strength, and balance training helps reduce the risk of falls, which cause many fractures.
What kind of exercise?
A mix of walking, strength training and balance exercises works well for most people. If you already have osteoporosis, some movements need to be adapted, so it's worth getting a programme designed for you.
Read about healthy ageing programmes →
This is general information and not a substitute for a personal assessment. If you have pain or a health condition, speak to a health professional before starting a new exercise programme.