- Older people should protect their bones as they age.
- Calcium helps keep bones strong and healthy.
- Vitamin D helps muscles and balance work well.
- Low vitamin D can make muscles weak and unsteady.
- Weak bones break more often after a fall.
- Dairy foods give calcium and some vitamin D.
- If people do not eat dairy, supplements can help.
- Sun and outdoor time help the body make vitamin D.
Difficult words
- protect — Keep safe from harm or damage.
- calcium — Mineral that helps make bones strong.
- vitamin D — A nutrient that helps muscles and bone health.
- muscle — Body tissue that makes movement possible.muscles
- supplement — A pill or extra food for nutrient needs.supplements
- balance — Ability to stay steady when standing or moving.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you eat dairy foods?
- Do you spend time outside in the sun?
- Do you take vitamin or calcium supplements?
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