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How Osteoporosis Affects Seniors

It’s likely that more than 200 million people are living with osteoporosis—especially common among older women. Learn how to prevent or manage it this National Osteoporosis Month.

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. (NCBI)

May is National Osteoporosis Month. Since seniors are at greater risk of this disease, it’s important to learn how to prevent or manage osteoporosis.

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
• Complications resulting from breaks & fractures
• Poor posture
• Limited mobility

What Causes It?

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. Certain medications and negative habits, like poor nutrition, can also contribute.

Diagnosing Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is diagnosed through a bone mineral density (BMD) test. Other exams and laboratory tests are sometimes administered as well. (National Osteoporosis Foundation)

WHAT SENIORS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis Awareness Month

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 arranging a home safely and knowing how to get up and down safely. (National Osteoporosis Foundation)

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

(WebMD)

Risk Factors

• Being a woman
• Getting older
• Being of Caucasian or Asian descent
• Family history
• Small body frame
• Unhealthy diet
• Lack of exercise

(Mayo Clinic)

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 follow an exercise regimen
• Take medication to treat osteoporosis

(American Family Physician)

References:

• ClearCare Online
• NCBI Article
• National Osteoporosis Foundation
• NOF: Osteoporosis Month
• WebMD: Osteoporosis
• Mayo Clinic
• American Family Physician