Osteoporosis is a silent epidemic sweeping across countries with ageing populations.

The problem concerns Singapore too as one in 12 residents here was 65 years or older in 2005. That figure is set to rise by 2030 when one in five residents then will be 65 years or older.

Dr Lau Tang Ching, programme director of National Healthcare Group Osteoporosis Disease Management Programme, said: 'If bones are brittle from osteoporosis, they can break or fracture easily with minor injuries and such incidents are common in elderly women.'

Osteoporosis is a form of bone loss whereby the deterioration of the micro-architecture of the bone is so rapid that the bone's density is reduced.

Mild to moderate bone loss is called osteopaenia.

Women begin to lose bone mass in their late 30s while men only start to do so in their late 40s.

Women who suffer from early menopause, have a family history of osteoporosis, smoke or drink heavily, lack calcium or exercise, or are underweight are most at risk.

When bones are weakened by osteoporosis, they become more susceptible to fractures. The risk of wrist fractures climbs steadily for a woman above 55 and spine and hip fractures are more common in women 65 years and above.

The chance of an elderly person suffering a second fracture increases exponentially after the first. For example, research has shown that the risk of another spine fracture is four times higher in someone who has already sustained a spine fracture compared to someone who has never had such an injury.

Dr Lau said: 'A fracture can kill and a quarter of elderly people die within the first year of a hip fracture.

'There's a reduction in the quality of life of an elderly person with a fracture as he may not be able to move about freely or may become bedridden.'

Dr Leslie Leong, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Island Orthopaedic Group, said: 'The maxim our bones stand on is 'use it or lose it'.

'Bones respond to the demands we place on them so weight-bearing exercises like running, hiking or walking help.'

Dr Yegappan Muthukaruppan, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Centre for Sports and Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, recommended a bone mineral density scan for elderly men and for women who are of menopausal age. They are done at most hospitals.

The 30-minute procedure, which measures bone density, costs $100. The patient will be in a lying position as a machine scans the hip and spine.

Dr Lau also recommended that all women check their risk for osteoporosis with the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA).

The formula involves subtracting one's weight in kilograms from one's age in years.

If you get a number less than zero, you are at low risk of osteoporosis. If you get a number between zero and 20, you are at moderate risk. If your resultant figure is more than 20, you are at high risk and should see a doctor soon.

Dr Lau said: 'Osteoporosis is a preventable condition.'

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This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on Jun 4, 2008.