Typically， as people age， their bone mass decreases， making them more vulnerable to bone fractures. A recent study concludes that the most effective way to reduce the risk of fractures in later life is to take twice the recommended dose of vitamin D and calcium daily. The three－year study followed a group of French women in their eighties who were nursing－home residents. The women were given daily supplements of twice the recommended dose of vitamin D and calcium. In addition， the women participated in a light weightlifting program. After three years， these women showed a much lower rate of hip fractures than is average for their age.