The body naturally removes old bone and replaces it with new bone. ... Around age 30, most people reach their peak bone mass. After reaching peak bone mass, your body replaces about as much as it loses for a while. But around age 40, less bone is replaced.

Can bone structure change over time?

Bone is a living tissue that constantly renews itself. “Your skeleton is completely new every 10 years,” says Dr. Deal. In childhood and adolescence, bone buildup outpaces bone removal, or loss.

Can your bone structure change as an adult?

Bones become more brittle and may break more easily. Overall height decreases, mainly because the trunk and spine shorten. Breakdown of the joints may lead to inflammation, pain, stiffness, and deformity. Joint changes affect almost all older people.