5 Things You Didn't Know About Osteoporosis in Men

One in four men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis, yet most won't see it coming until after the damage is done, according to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation.

That's a serious problem because broken bones don't heal the same way in your 70s as they did in your 30s. And when it's a hip or spine, recovery isn't just tough; it can trigger a permanent decline in independence.

The silence around osteoporosis in men makes it easier to ignore. That's why it's so important to cut through the noise and take a closer look at how it really affects men as they age.

This article breaks down five surprising facts every family should know. Whether you're thinking about senior men's wellness or simply want to stay ahead of the curve, knowing what puts older men at risk could make all the difference.

1. Men Are More Likely to Go Undiagnosed

Osteoporosis tends to be seen as something that mostly affects women. That belief, frankly, puts senior men at risk of being overlooked.

Many men don't even realize they have low bone density until after they experience a fracture. In fact, around 80,000 men in the U.S. break a hip every year due to osteoporosis, and they're more likely than women to die within a year of that fracture.

That's where osteoporosis awareness really matters. If more men were screened early, fewer would face those painful and preventable outcomes. Men are less likely to be offered bone density scans, and yet their outcomes from a missed diagnosis are often more severe.

Here are some situations where men might want to ask their doctors for bone health tips:

History of broken bones after age 50
Family history of osteoporosis or fractures
Noticeable loss of height or stooped posture
Long-term use of steroids or prostate cancer treatment
Chronic low back or hip pain without a clear cause

2. Low Testosterone Can Contribute to Bone Loss

Testosterone plays a bigger role in bone strength than most people assume. When levels drop, typically starting in a man's late 40s and continuing with age, bone density begins to decline. That puts older men at higher risk for silent thinning of bones.

This link between men's health in aging and bone loss isn't always obvious at first glance.

The drop is natural, sure, but that doesn't mean it's harmless. Lower testosterone has been tied to a significant increase in bone turnover, which means the body breaks down bone faster than it builds it. According to NIH data, testosterone deficiency is associated with reduced bone mineral density and increased fracture risk.

3. Certain Medications and Medical Conditions Raise Risk

Sometimes it's not just age. It's the combination of aging and medical treatments that quietly increases bone loss in men.

For example, prostate cancer treatments like androgen deprivation therapy often lower bone density. That's not always explained upfront, yet it can lead to sudden and serious bone problems over time.

Similarly, long-term use of corticosteroids for arthritis or respiratory issues can weaken bones significantly.

This is where communities like TerraBella Lincolnton can play a quiet but steady role in men's health in aging. We help residents stay on track with proper medication management, and our team keeps an eye on any side effects that could impact bone health. That may include working with outside providers and caregivers to monitor long-term prescriptions and encourage healthy daily routines.

4. Diet and Activity Play a Bigger Role Than You Think

Even though most people know bones need calcium, they might not realize how little they're getting. Men over 70 should aim for 1,200 mg of calcium daily, yet many fall short.

Vitamin D is another problem. Without enough of it, the body can't absorb calcium properly, even if you're eating the right foods. That's where community support can be helpful, especially when residents have consistent access to balanced meals and routine movement.

For instance, TerraBella Lincolnton offers chef-prepared dining with ingredients selected for both taste and nutritional value. Meals include dairy, leafy greens, and other calcium-rich foods that help support bone strength naturally.

Residents can also participate in wellness programs right on site, including light strength training, chair yoga, and walking groups; all of which can help maintain muscle tone and prevent falls.

In Lincoln County, staying active isn't difficult if you know where to look. The Betty G. Ross Park and South Fork Rail Trail are local favorites, especially for older adults who enjoy gentle movement in nature without pushing too hard. Staying connected to the outdoors plays a role in senior men's wellness that's often overlooked.

5. Fractures in Older Men Are More Dangerous Than Expected

A broken hip might sound like a temporary setback, but for older men, it tends to be a lot more than that. According to the journal Geriatric Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation, 14-58% of men who fracture a hip will die within a year. Yet the conversation around bone health rarely focuses on men's recovery and long-term mobility.

Many older adults don't just experience one fall; they begin to fall more often after the first. That first fracture can lead to muscle loss, hospitalization, isolation, or needing full-time care. That, naturally, changes a lot about a person's daily routine, social life, and sense of independence.

Prevention, as simple as it sounds, might be the most powerful tool available. That starts with practical changes at home and, sometimes, accepting help in a supportive setting before a serious incident happens.

Simple steps to reduce fracture risk include:

Decluttering walkways to avoid tripping
Installing grab bars in showers and near toilets
Using non-slip mats in bathrooms and kitchens
Wearing shoes with a good grip indoors
Having regular vision checks and adjusting lighting

How Communities Can Help Address Osteoporosis in Men

Osteoporosis in men is often overlooked, but its consequences are real and sometimes life-changing. From hormonal shifts to unexpected medication effects, senior men face unique risks that deserve more attention.

At TerraBella Lincolnton, we support healthy aging by offering chef-prepared dining, engaging on-site wellness programs, and personalized care plans, all designed to help our residents maintain strength, mobility, and independence. Our residents also benefit from medication management and life-enrichment activities that support long-term health and social connection.

Schedule a tour and explore how we help seniors not just live longer but live well.