Bone health is crucial for longevity. How does it affect your overall health? What is the impact of aging on bones? What can you do to prevent bone health deterioration? Read on to learn the answers.
Bones are rigid structures that hold various supportive and protective roles. In addition, they help preserve the balance of the internal body environment. Therefore, their health is crucial for longevity.
Bone health affects longevity
Just as all body organs, bones are affected by age. In this case, aging negatively affects bone mass, composition, structure, and function. This, in turn, influences longevity, which was found to be affected by bone health. Studies show that people with healthy bones have longer lifespans compared to those with impacted bone health. Therefore, taking care of bone health is critical for health and longevity.
Diet, exercise, and nutritional patterns influence bone health throughout life. This means that having healthy bones starts with implementing some lifestyle modification.
What you need to know about bones
Bones are rigid structures made of connective tissue supported by calcium that make up your skeleton. They work with muscles and joints to hold your body and help it move (1). In addition, it has a vital role in protecting your important organs, like the heart, lungs, and others.
Key functions of bones
Other vital functions of your bones include:
- regulating mineral concentrations in your body,
- maintaining acid-base balance,
- helping form blood cells (1).
Many of your bones provide a suitable environment that allows your body to produce the blood cells it needs from the marrow contained within these bones.
The older you are, the fewer bones you have
At birth, there are about 270 bones in your body. But, this number decreases to 206 in adulthood because many of these bones fuse together upon the growth and maturation of your skeleton (1).
Bone structure
Bones are mainly composed of two components: bone cells and extracellular matrix. Let's find out more about each.
Bone cells
They constitute about 10% of your total bone volume (1). There are four types of bone cells, varying in role and function. Basically, these cells are responsible for maintaining bone health by balancing bone formation and resorption.
The bone formation and resorption processes are disturbed with aging, favoring the latter. Thus explaining the associated decrease in bone mass, strength, and other characteristics (2).
Bone extracellular matrix
It makes up 90% of your total bone volume (1). The extracellular matrix is made up of inorganic minerals and organic matrices. Inorganic minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and others provide the bone with strength, stiffness, and other characteristics that help it maintain resistance against compressive force (1).
The organic matrices contain cells, growth factors, and other elements that support bone formation, mineralization, and remodeling, therefore, supporting resistance against stretching (tensile) forces.
At Healthy Longevity Clinic, we offer many diagnostic approaches to map and assess the health of your skeletal system. One such example is the use of Whole-body MRI, a critical component of our clinical program. This diagnostic examination helps us evaluate the overall health of your bones, plus other tissues, which assists in spotting problems at the very early stages when they are easier to treat and fix.
Bone health and aging
Just like other body organs and systems, aging also affects bones. In this regard, researchers showed that aging causes negative changes and disruptions in bone composition, mass, function, and structure (3).
Studies point out that the main driver behind bone loss is an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption. This is evident by the increase in osteoclasts (bone cells responsible for bone loss) and the accompanied decrease in osteoblasts (bone cells responsible for bone formation (2).
The process of bone loss begins in the middle of the third decade of life and continues throughout the lifetime, with women having accelerated net bone loss rates after menopause compared to men (4, 5). This highlights the importance of implementing approaches to peak bone mass and preventing bone loss at early stages in life.
Bone health and longevity
Researchers were able to link bone health and longevity. But why is this important? As previously mentioned, the aging process causes changes in bone structure, composition, mass, and other factors (3). This factor, combined with other factors like muscle degeneration with age, puts people at a greater risk of falls and bone fractures (6).
The risks associated with fractures extend not only to quality of life but also to longevity (7, 8). Why, you might wonder? It is because the scientific literature highlights the importance of having superior bone health in promoting longer, healthier lives by reducing the chances of falls and bone fractures, which were linked to higher risks of death. In other words, healthier bones throughout life translate into an extended lifespan and better quality of life (7, 8).
At Healthy Longevity Clinic, we understand the importance of maintaining healthy bones to support your quest for health and longevity. Therefore, we create and employ various clinical programs, diagnostic tests, and treatments with a focus on bone health.
What can you do to maintain your bone health?
Fortunately, there are several approaches you can employ to maximize your bone mass and health during their peak and minimize their deterioration at later stages of life. Let’s see some of these examples.
1. Dietary patterns
Studies have shown that dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet significantly promote bone health. This is because this type of diet contains various sources of nutrients that support bone structure and mass (9). For example, olive oil, a component of the Mediterranean diet, was found to reduce the rate of bone mass loss.
In contrast, a Western-style diet rich in processed and fried food was associated with lower bone mass (9). This means that such a diet could compromise bone health, negatively affecting longevity.
2. Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
Studies show that having appropriate blood levels of vitamins D, K, C, calcium, phosphate, potassium, magnesium, and other elements is essential to maintain and promote bone mass and health (9, 10). This is because these vitamins and ingredients play a vital role in supporting the cells that oversee bone formation and maintenance. In other words, they act as fuel for these cells to promote bone health.
For example, calcium and vitamin D are interrelated and require each other, and other elements, to function optimally (9, 10). In this context, vitamin D is needed to optimize calcium absorption from your intestine (11). Therefore, you cannot get the full benefits of having proper blood levels of these nutritional elements without having adequate levels of each of them.
3. Exercise
Studies show that exercises, both aerobic and resistance, improve bone health. In this regard, the literature indicates that weight-bearing aerobic training, like jogging, reduces bone resorption (12, 13). In comparison, resistance training has been shown to improve bone mass. Therefore, combining multiple exercise modalities will likely confer the most benefit (12, 13).
Take action today and improve your bone health
Do you want to improve the health of your bones and prevent future health complications? You will achieve the best results with a personalized medical approach. The best thing you can do is to find a professional medical team who will measure your bone health, analyze blood chemistry, and assess your nutrient levels and other parameters.
Based on your results, they will give you specific recommendations and step-by-step instructions on what exactly you can do to improve your health. Start with a complimentary consultation with a specialist from Healthy Longevity Clinic.
Bones are rigid structures that hold various supportive and protective roles. In addition, they help preserve the balance of the internal body environment. Therefore, their health is crucial for longevity.
Bone health affects longevity
Just as all body organs, bones are affected by age. In this case, aging negatively affects bone mass, composition, structure, and function. This, in turn, influences longevity, which was found to be affected by bone health. Studies show that people with healthy bones have longer lifespans compared to those with impacted bone health. Therefore, taking care of bone health is critical for health and longevity.
Diet, exercise, and nutritional patterns influence bone health throughout life. This means that having healthy bones starts with implementing some lifestyle modification.
What you need to know about bones
Bones are rigid structures made of connective tissue supported by calcium that make up your skeleton. They work with muscles and joints to hold your body and help it move (1). In addition, it has a vital role in protecting your important organs, like the heart, lungs, and others.
Key functions of bones
Other vital functions of your bones include:
- regulating mineral concentrations in your body,
- maintaining acid-base balance,
- helping form blood cells (1).
Many of your bones provide a suitable environment that allows your body to produce the blood cells it needs from the marrow contained within these bones.
The older you are, the fewer bones you have
At birth, there are about 270 bones in your body. But, this number decreases to 206 in adulthood because many of these bones fuse together upon the growth and maturation of your skeleton (1).
Bone structure
Bones are mainly composed of two components: bone cells and extracellular matrix. Let's find out more about each.
Bone cells
They constitute about 10% of your total bone volume (1). There are four types of bone cells, varying in role and function. Basically, these cells are responsible for maintaining bone health by balancing bone formation and resorption.
The bone formation and resorption processes are disturbed with aging, favoring the latter. Thus explaining the associated decrease in bone mass, strength, and other characteristics (2).
Bone extracellular matrix
It makes up 90% of your total bone volume (1). The extracellular matrix is made up of inorganic minerals and organic matrices. Inorganic minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and others provide the bone with strength, stiffness, and other characteristics that help it maintain resistance against compressive force (1).
The organic matrices contain cells, growth factors, and other elements that support bone formation, mineralization, and remodeling, therefore, supporting resistance against stretching (tensile) forces.
At Healthy Longevity Clinic, we offer many diagnostic approaches to map and assess the health of your skeletal system. One such example is the use of Whole-body MRI, a critical component of our clinical program. This diagnostic examination helps us evaluate the overall health of your bones, plus other tissues, which assists in spotting problems at the very early stages when they are easier to treat and fix.
Bone health and aging
Just like other body organs and systems, aging also affects bones. In this regard, researchers showed that aging causes negative changes and disruptions in bone composition, mass, function, and structure (3).
Studies point out that the main driver behind bone loss is an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption. This is evident by the increase in osteoclasts (bone cells responsible for bone loss) and the accompanied decrease in osteoblasts (bone cells responsible for bone formation (2).
The process of bone loss begins in the middle of the third decade of life and continues throughout the lifetime, with women having accelerated net bone loss rates after menopause compared to men (4, 5). This highlights the importance of implementing approaches to peak bone mass and preventing bone loss at early stages in life.
Bone health and longevity
Researchers were able to link bone health and longevity. But why is this important? As previously mentioned, the aging process causes changes in bone structure, composition, mass, and other factors (3). This factor, combined with other factors like muscle degeneration with age, puts people at a greater risk of falls and bone fractures (6).
The risks associated with fractures extend not only to quality of life but also to longevity (7, 8). Why, you might wonder? It is because the scientific literature highlights the importance of having superior bone health in promoting longer, healthier lives by reducing the chances of falls and bone fractures, which were linked to higher risks of death. In other words, healthier bones throughout life translate into an extended lifespan and better quality of life (7, 8).
At Healthy Longevity Clinic, we understand the importance of maintaining healthy bones to support your quest for health and longevity. Therefore, we create and employ various clinical programs, diagnostic tests, and treatments with a focus on bone health.
What can you do to maintain your bone health?
Fortunately, there are several approaches you can employ to maximize your bone mass and health during their peak and minimize their deterioration at later stages of life. Let’s see some of these examples.
1. Dietary patterns
Studies have shown that dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet significantly promote bone health. This is because this type of diet contains various sources of nutrients that support bone structure and mass (9). For example, olive oil, a component of the Mediterranean diet, was found to reduce the rate of bone mass loss.
In contrast, a Western-style diet rich in processed and fried food was associated with lower bone mass (9). This means that such a diet could compromise bone health, negatively affecting longevity.
2. Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
Studies show that having appropriate blood levels of vitamins D, K, C, calcium, phosphate, potassium, magnesium, and other elements is essential to maintain and promote bone mass and health (9, 10). This is because these vitamins and ingredients play a vital role in supporting the cells that oversee bone formation and maintenance. In other words, they act as fuel for these cells to promote bone health.
For example, calcium and vitamin D are interrelated and require each other, and other elements, to function optimally (9, 10). In this context, vitamin D is needed to optimize calcium absorption from your intestine (11). Therefore, you cannot get the full benefits of having proper blood levels of these nutritional elements without having adequate levels of each of them.
3. Exercise
Studies show that exercises, both aerobic and resistance, improve bone health. In this regard, the literature indicates that weight-bearing aerobic training, like jogging, reduces bone resorption (12, 13). In comparison, resistance training has been shown to improve bone mass. Therefore, combining multiple exercise modalities will likely confer the most benefit (12, 13).
Take action today and improve your bone health
Do you want to improve the health of your bones and prevent future health complications? You will achieve the best results with a personalized medical approach. The best thing you can do is to find a professional medical team who will measure your bone health, analyze blood chemistry, and assess your nutrient levels and other parameters.
Based on your results, they will give you specific recommendations and step-by-step instructions on what exactly you can do to improve your health. Start with a complimentary consultation with a specialist from Healthy Longevity Clinic.
1. El Sayed SA, Nezwek TA, Varacallo M. Physiology, bone. StatPearls [Internet]: StatPearls Publishing; 2022.
2. Corrado A, Cici D, Rotondo C, Maruotti N, Cantatore FP. Molecular Basis of Bone Aging. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(10).
3. Demontiero O, Vidal C, Duque G. Aging and bone loss: new insights for the clinician. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2012;4(2):61-76.
4. Ji MX, Yu Q. Primary osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Chronic Dis Transl Med. 2015;1(1):9-13.
5. Hunter DJ, Sambrook PN. Bone loss. Epidemiology of bone loss. Arthritis Res. 2000;2(6):441-5.
6. Azzolino D, Spolidoro GCI, Saporiti E, Luchetti C, Agostoni C, Cesari M. Musculoskeletal Changes Across the Lifespan: Nutrition and the Life-Course Approach to Prevention. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021;8:697954.
7. Dayer SR, Mears SC, Pangle AK, Mendiratta P, Wei JY, Azhar G. Does Superior Bone Health Promote a Longer Lifespan? Geriatr Orthop Surg Rehabil. 2021;12:21514593211036231.
8. Nguyen VH. Superior Bone Health for Promoting Longer and Better Lives. Geriatr Orthop Surg Rehabil. 2021;12:21514593211043966.
9. Muñoz-Garach A, García-Fontana B, Muñoz-Torres M. Nutrients and Dietary Patterns Related to Osteoporosis. Nutrients. 2020;12(7).
10. Sahni S, Mangano KM, McLean RR, Hannan MT, Kiel DP. Dietary Approaches for Bone Health: Lessons from the Framingham Osteoporosis Study. Curr Osteoporos Rep. 2015;13(4):245-55.
11. Khazai N, Judd SE, Tangpricha V. Calcium and vitamin D: skeletal and extraskeletal health. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2008;10(2):110-7.
12. Benedetti MG, Furlini G, Zati A, Letizia Mauro G. The Effectiveness of Physical Exercise on Bone Density in Osteoporotic Patients. Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018:4840531.
13. Hong AR, Kim SW. Effects of Resistance Exercise on Bone Health. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul). 2018;33(4):435-44.
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