How Osteoporosis Affects Seniors: Basic Facts, Prevention & Managing
It’s likely that more than 200 million people are living with osteoporosis, a medical condition marked by having fragile bones. This condition is especially common among older women, and it can be dangerous.
The Basic Facts of Osteoporosis
What Is Osteoporosis?
Everybody relies on their bones for strength, support, and more. Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones. As a result, bones are fragile and susceptible to risks like breaks and fractures. When combined with conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis can make tasks like moving around risky and painful.
Potential Outcomes of Osteoporosis:
- Breaks and fractures
- Poor posture
- Complications resulting from breaks & fractures
- Limited mobility
What Causes Osteoporosis?
For many people, osteoporosis is a side effect of aging. However, it can be exacerbated and accelerated by conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, and some cancers. Some medications and negative habits, like poor nutrition, can also contribute.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
If you are experiencing any of the following signs of bone loss, it is essential you be screened for osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases.
- Loss of height
- Aches without injury
- Poor posture
- Oral bone loss conditions
- Regular fractures
Osteoporosis Risk Factors
- Being a woman
- Getting older
- Being of Caucasian or Asian descent
- Family history
- Small body frame
- Unhealthy diet
- Lack of exercise
Diagnosing Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is diagnosed through a bone mineral density (BMD) test. Other exams and laboratory tests are sometimes administered as well.
Preventing and Managing Osteoporosis
Prevention Tips
Preventing osteoporosis protects seniors from bone-related problems. Consider incorporating the following:
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Regular exercise
- A balanced diet
Managing Osteoporosis
- Learn to prevent falls and what to do in case of a fall
- See a doctor for regular monitoring of disease progression
- Eat a bone-healthy diet and subscribe to an exercise regimen
- Take medication to treat osteoporosis
Home Care Tip: Since seniors are at greater risk of osteoporosis and falling, it’s important for you to learn how to avoid falls, including how to arrange a home safely as well as getting up and getting down safely.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California including: Campbell, CA, Roseville, CA, San Marcos, CA, and San Mateo, CA.
Sources:
- https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1708580/Marketing%20Monthlies/PDFs%20from%20Windfarm%20Marketing/0519-Osteoporosis-RGB.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5335887/
- https://www.nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968
- https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0815/p261.html
- https://www.nof.org/national-osteoporosis-month/
- https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/understanding-osteoporosis-symptoms
