Which condition increases the risk of broken bones among older individuals?

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by the weakening of bones, making them more fragile and susceptible to fractures. In older individuals, the bones naturally lose density and strength due to aging and hormonal changes, particularly after menopause in women. Osteoporosis specifically leads to a significant increase in the risk of broken bones, as it reduces overall bone mass and alters the bone's microarchitecture. This condition can develop silently over many years, meaning individuals may not be aware of its presence until a fracture occurs, often from minor falls or even everyday activities.

In contrast, while conditions like dyslipidemia, undernutrition, and hypertension can affect overall health, they do not have the direct impact on bone density and strength that osteoporosis does. Dyslipidemia refers to abnormal levels of lipids in the blood, undernutrition pertains to inadequate intake of nutrients, and hypertension is characterized by high blood pressure. Although these conditions may contribute to other health issues, they do not specifically increase the risk of broken bones in the same way that osteoporosis does.