Osteoporosis, the silent disease, can shorten your life − here’s how to prevent fractures and keep bones healthy

With some simple lifestyle changes, you can lower your risk of osteoporosis. MoMo Productions/DigitalVision via Getty Images

Because there are typically no symptoms until the first fracture occurs, osteoporosis is considered a silent disease. Some call it a silent killer.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by decreased bone density and strength, leading to fragile, brittle bones that increase the risk of fractures, especially in the spine, hips and wrists.