Over the last 40 years I have researched, taught and practised in the area of determinants of bone structure especially nutritional effects. I have published over 330 papers and trained 16 PhD students as well as many medical graduates. In addition I have always consulted in these areas as the main reason for research and teaching is to be better able to manage clinical problems. In that time there has been a very large increase in our knowledge and ability to successfully manage bone disease, a major disorder reducing both the quality of life and longevity of older Australians. I have been privileged to assist in the introduction of these advances into practice. Our current foci are improved fracture prediction by analyzing the distribution of bone within the bone, effects of nutrition on falling and the role of vascular calcification.