Osteoporosis: an invisible, undertreated, and neglected disease of elderly men

This article highlights a silent disease that threatens the health and vitality of older men. Among elderly men and women, osteoporosis is among one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Once perceived as only a female dominated disease, osteoporosis is now known to be gender blind. The following discussion will review the epidemiology and pathology of osteoporosis, and identify the concerns raised for men, including neglect. Special management considerations for older men and recommendations for future research into this overlooked major health problem will be explored. Better understanding of how osteoporosis affects older men may help to encourage prevention strategies earlier in life, appropriate screening and monitoring, as well as more effective treatment later in life.