Who is at most at risk of bone and joint disorders?
Adult bone mass is determined by the amount of bone formed during childhood, with accumulation (known as peak bone mass) complete by age 35. Bone mass is influenced by a number of factors: up to 80 percent of bone mass is influenced by genetic factors, while about 20-40 percent is environmental. Diet and lifestyle A life-long diet low in calcium and vitamin D is one of the major risk factors for many bone disorders. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption, which are often accompanied by poor nutrition and lack of physical activity, are also associated with low bone density. Gout is often associated with a rich diet and heavy alcohol consumption. Age Bone and joint disorders are more common among middle-aged and older adults. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis most commonly occurs between ages 40 and 60, and osteoarthritis between ages 60 and 80. Gout most commonly develops between the ages of 40 and 50 in men and over 60 in women. Asian and Caucasian women over age 65 have a particularly
