Health Strength and balance training important to build muscle and bone in older women

The article "Sumiko at 61: 'No, your body won't collapse like a jellyfish.' How I live with osteoporosis" (Oct 7) is a good awareness piece on osteoporosis, risk of falls and disabling hip and/or wrist fractures.

- Wee Shiou Liang (Dr)

Another condition that must be highlighted is sarcopenia, the age-associated progressive and generalised loss of muscle mass and loss of strength and physical function.

This can be diagnosed by a simple strength and function test and a scan. Both osteoporosis and sarcopenia commonly occur in older adults, especially women, and predispose them to increased risk of falls and disability.