You build bone mass during your growing years, and then you spend the rest of your life losing it. Protects your bones by eating foods rich in calcium, such as yogurt and broccoli. Alternatively, take supplements. Compare to men, women especially should be getting at least 1000 mg of calcium a day, along with vitamin D, depending on their age. And if you're a women older than 65, schedule a bone mineral density test, which will help your doctor measures the strength of your bones.