Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones gradually weaken and become fragile so that they break more easily. This increased risk of fractures makes osteoporosis a real concern in older adults. When an older person suffers a fracture they often end up in hospital, thus are more likely to lose their independence, and in many cases lose much of their enjoyment in life. Bone is a living tissue that is constantly replacing itself. Osteoporosis occurs when there is an imbalance in the bone remodeling process –when bone breakdown exceeds bone replacement. This change causes bones to become less dense, weaker and to fracture more easily. Osteoporosis has many component causes hence is also very preventable if correct measures are taken. Three major causes are ageing - especially due to the loss of estrogen for women during the onset of menopause, lack of exercise and nutrition. People say we should have a diet rich in calcium, especially milk, cheese and yoghurt to prevent osteoporosis. However, it should be noted that while the United States, Finland, Sweden and United Kingdom are the countries with the highest percentage of milk consumption in the world, their population also suffer the greatest percentages of people with osteoporosis. This clearly indicates while eating a calcium-rich diet may increase bone density it does not actually prevent osteoporosis in itself.