Tips for Managing Osteoporosis in Seniors

Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care | 0 comments

As we age, we battle many age-related conditions. While most are caused by old age, others can be prevented by simple exercises and diet. One of these conditions is Osteoporosis. If you or your loved one is struggling with Osteoporosis, you should learn more about the condition to help them. At Advancare, it’s our mission to keep you safe, healthy, happy, and comfortable. That’s why we ensure our caregivers provide the best home care services in Miami-Dade. Your senior loved one can use their help managing Osteoporosis and other daily activities.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become too weak to the point that they can break easily. The disease hinders normal activities such as climbing stairs, walking, and other mobile activities. People with Osteoporosis often break bones in the hip, wrist, and spine. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMSD), over 53 million individuals either are at risk or already have Osteoporosis due to low bone mass. Osteoporosis can strike at any age, but it’s worse and more common in older women.

What are my risk factors?

While anyone can develop Osteoporosis, certain factors make some people more vulnerable to Osteoporosis than others. For instance, the National Osteoporosis Foundation found that one out of every two women and one man in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone in their lifetime due to Osteoporosis

Risk factors you can’t change.

• Sex: Women are more likely to develop Osteoporosis than men
• Age: seniors are at higher risk than any other group
• Frame size: Thin women with small bones are at high risk
• Ethnicity: White and Asian women are at high risk
• Family history: If Osteoporosis runs in the family, there are high chances you can develop it as well

Other risk factors you can change include medication use, hormones, alcohol intake, smoking tobacco, anorexia nervosa, and nutrition and activity level.

How can I reduce my risk?

There are many steps you can take to reduce the risk of weak or broken bones. To start with, you need to look at the risk factors you can change and adjust your lifestyle accordingly. Start by eating a healthy diet with enough bone-building vitamins, such as Vitamin D and Calcium. You also need to participate in weight-bearing that can maintain and increase bone strength. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, and talk to your healthcare provider about some medications that could cause weaker bones.

Tips for managing Osteoporosis in seniors

While there’s no cure for Osteoporosis, there are treatments that can help slow down the progression of the disease and reduce bone fractures. The following tips can help you manage Osteoporosis:

• Focus on getting enough calcium and Vitamin D
• Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet
• Quit smoking
• Wear supportive shoes
• Keep a healthy weight

How to prevent falls and Fractures in Seniors with Osteoporosis

• Get your vision checked regularly
• Remove any tripping hazards around your home
• Use assistive devices
• Go for a bone density test
• Take medications prescribed

If you have any concerns about managing Osteoporosis in your loved one, feel free to contact us and speak to our team at Advancare, and we will be happy to help. We have the right professionals to help your loved one manage Osteoporosis.