The Basics
A bone density test is a test to find out how strong your bones are. The test will tell you if you are at risk for osteoporosis.
- If you are age 65 or older, schedule a bone density test.
- If you are age 60-64, talk to your doctor about testing your bone density.
If you are at risk for osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend getting a bone density test every 2 years. To learn more about your risk for osteoporosis, check up on your bones with this interactive tool.
What Happens During a Bone Density Test?
A bone density test doesn't hurt. It’s like an x-ray or scan of your body. It only takes about 15 minutes. Learn more about the bone density test.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis (oss-tee-oh-puh-ro-sis) is a disease of the bones. It means your bones are weak and more likely to break.
Anyone can get osteoporosis, but it’s most common in older women. The older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.
There are no signs or symptoms of osteoporosis. You might not know you have the disease until you break a bone. That is why it’s so important to get a bone density test.
How Common is Osteoporosis?
One out of every two (1 in 2) women and one in four (1 in 4) men over the age of 50 will break a bone in their lifetime because of osteoporosis.
Learn more about osteoporosis and bone health:
The Benefits
You can help slow the rate of bone loss by finding and treating osteoporosis early. Treating osteoporosis can keep you healthier and more active. It can also lower your chances of breaking a bone.
People with osteoporosis most often break bones in the hip, spine, and wrist. A broken bone (called a fracture) can cause pain, disability, and make it hard to do daily activities
without help.
What if I Have Weak Bones?
Depending on the results of your bone density test, the doctor may:
- Give you medicine to stop bone loss
- Tell you to exercise more to strengthen your bones
- Urge you to eat more calcium and vitamin D in your diet
It doesn’t matter how old you are; it's not too late to stop bone loss!
Take Action!
In the United States, 10 million people have osteoporosis. Find out if you are one of them.
Schedule a Bone Density Test
If you are age 65 or older, call your doctor or health center to make an appointment for a bone density test. If you are age 60-64, talk to your doctor about when to start testing your bone density.
In the meantime, check up on your bones with this interactive tool.
What about cost?
Medicare will usually pay for a bone density test in women over age 65. Some men over age 65 may also be covered.
You can still get a bone density test even if you don't have health insurance. Find a health center near you to learn more.
Get Enough Vitamin D Each Day
Vitamin D helps your body use calcium. Both vitamin D and calcium are needed for strong bones. Check this chart to see how much vitamin D you need each day.
Your body makes vitamin D when you are out in the sun. You can also get vitamin D from:
- Salmon
- Non-fat or low-fat milk and some yogurt (check the label)
- Vitamin D pills
Stay away from Cigarettes and Alcohol
Cigarettes and alcohol can weaken your bones.
Lower Your Risk of Falling
If you are worried about weak bones, learn how you can prevent falls.
Get Active
Physical activity can help slow down bone loss.
- Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity. Try for 10 minutes at a time.
- Do strengthening activities at least 2 days a week. These include lifting weights or using resistance bands (long rubber strips that stretch).
- Find an exercise buddy. You will be more likely to stick with it if you exercise with a friend.
- Be sure to talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Find an activity that works for you.
Check with your local senior center or community center to find fun, low-cost or free exercise options. Try something new, like:
- Gardening
- Aerobics
- Tai chi (Chinese mind-body exercise that involves moving slowly and gently)
- Yoga (type of exercise that involves stretching and strengthening)
- Weight training
- Walking with friends on a regular basis