1. Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones to the point where they break easily. Hips, backbones (vertebrae), and wrists are the bones that most often break because of osteoporosis.

   The risk of osteoporosis grows as you get older. By age 65, men and women are losing bone mass at the same rate.

   You are at risk if you:

   • Have a family history of broken bones or osteoporosis
   • Have a small body frame
   • Broke a bone during you adult years
   • Have reached menopause (surgical or natural)
   • Have had poor calcium intake throughout your life
   • Have been on extended bed rest
   • Have taken certain medications that cause bone loss
   • Use tobacco and/or alcohol

   Osteoporosis screening should begin at age 65 or sooner if you are at risk. If you have not been screened, talk with your health care provider about getting a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan.

   To keep strong bones:

   • Be sure you get at least 1200 milligrams of calcium daily, along with 400–600 IU of vitamin D.
   • Perform weight-bearing exercise three to four times a week
2. Urinary incontinence is difficulty controlling your bladder. Urine leakage can occur if you are unable to get to the bathroom quickly, during exercise, or when coughing and sneezing.

   If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please speak with your health care provider. They will make sure you do not have an infection that can cause urine leakage. In addition, they will discuss available options with you to help regain bladder control.

   Treatment options for urinary incontinence include:

   • Bladder control training:
     • Pelvic muscle exercise (Kegel)
     • Urinating on a set schedule
     • Maintaining a healthy weight
     • Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco
     • Preventing constipation
   • Medications
   • Special devices prescribed by your doctor
   • Prostate treatment (men)
   • Injections
   • Surgery

   Urinary incontinence is a common problem among older adults. Feel free to discuss these sensitive topics with your health care provider. They are here to help you. Under a doctor’s care, urinary incontinence can be treated and often cured.

3. Depression is more than just feeling blue now and then. Depression can change the way you think and feel.

   If you no longer enjoy activities that you usually like, you may have a more serious problem. Being “down in the dumps” for longer than two weeks is not a normal part of growing older; it could be depression.

   There is no one single cause of depression. Serious illness, chronic disease, life stressors, or family history can all contribute to feelings of depression. Depression may happen for no clear reason.

   These are common signs of depression (feelings lasting longer than two weeks):

   • Sadness, anxiety, or feeling empty
   • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
   • Trouble sleeping
   • Feeling guilty, helpless, worthless, or hopeless
   • Difficulty focusing, making decisions, or remembering
   • Being irritable
   • Crying too often or too much
   • Thoughts of death or suicide attempt

Getting help begins with your family doctor. Various therapies are available. Your provider can help you find what works best for you.