Bone Health 101: Why Your Skeleton Is Always Changing—and How to Support It

Hip Fracture

Think your bones are just static structures that hold you up? Think again. Your skeleton is a living, breathing system that’s constantly changing. At any given moment, bone tissue is being broken down and rebuilt—a process called remodeling.

Two types of cells drive this cycle: osteoblasts, which create new bone, and osteoclasts, which break down old bone and release calcium into the bloodstream. This dynamic balance is essential for maintaining strong, healthy bones and regulating calcium levels throughout the body.

Bone mineral density (BMD) typically peaks by age 30, giving you your highest level of skeletal strength. After that, bone remodeling continues—but the balance often begins to shift. Women, in particular, face a steep decline in BMD during menopause due to the drop in estrogen levels—losing 3–7% of their bone mass annually during that transition. Men also lose bone density, but the process is generally slower.

So what can we do to support this natural process and maintain bone strength as we age?

The key is targeting both sides of the equation. Resistance training, impact-based exercise (like jumping or stair climbing), and weight-bearing movements stimulate osteoblasts to build new bone. At the same time, adequate nutrition—especially calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium—helps prevent excessive bone resorption by osteoclasts.

In some cases, medications may be used to either stimulate bone formation or reduce breakdown, depending on individual risk factors and bone density scores.

Understanding that bones are active, dynamic organs allows us to take a proactive approach—rather than waiting for a fracture to spark concern. By supporting healthy bone remodeling through lifestyle, nutrition, and medical care, you’re investing in your mobility, independence, and longevity.