Understanding Osteoporosis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 12.6 percent of people 50 and older have osteoporosis in their hips and spines. They also found that it’s highly more prevalent in women, affecting millions of seniors worldwide.

Osteoporosis is a serious condition that increases the risk of bone breaks and fractures in seniors. While age is one of the greatest risk factors for osteoporosis, understanding the condition and taking prevention measures may help you keep your bones stronger for longer.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects bone density and mass, impacting the structure and strength of bones and making them more easily broken. It typically occurs in older adults and is more likely to develop in women around menopause. It’s also more common in people who have taken certain cancer medications.

There aren’t many signs or symptoms associated with osteoporosis. It’s often called a silent condition because many people don’t know they have it until they have a fracture or bone break.

Osteoporosis Prevention Tips

Many risk factors associated with osteoporosis are non-preventable, such as age, biological sex, race, and family history. However, some lifestyle changes within your control may help reduce your risk of osteoporosis.

Eat a calcium-rich diet. Calcium is essential for bone strength, so getting enough of it in your diet is important. You can get calcium from foods like dairy products like yogurt and cheese.
Get enough vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Oily fish like salmon or trout are good sources of vitamin D.
Stay active. Weight-bearing exercise can help increase bone density and keep your bones strong.
Don’t smoke or drink alcohol. Smoking reduces bone density, and too much alcohol can affect your body’s ability to absorb calcium.

Managing Your Osteoporosis

Living with osteoporosis can mean some lifestyle changes. If you’ve recently developed osteoporosis or you’re at high risk for the condition, consider the following to keep yourself safe and healthy.

Exercise Modifications

Strength training can improve bone strength. However, you should also be careful with high-impact movements and certain workouts that can strain the body. Consider working with a personal trainer to keep yourself safe while exercising. You can check out personal training options at the Ravenna Athletic Center.

Fall Prevention

Falls can be dangerous at any age, but since your risk of fractures increases with osteoporosis, you want to ensure your home is safe and accessible. Consider reducing fall risks in your home by:

Using non-slip mats and rugs in your home
Keeping walkways clear of clutter
Putting most-used items in reachable cabinets and counters
Installing grab bars in the shower and toilet to help you navigate tight spaces.

How Visiting Angels Can Help

Osteoporosis is a serious health condition that can make it challenging to care for yourself. One concern for many seniors with osteoporosis living alone is falling. At Visiting Angels, we’ve developed a fall prevention program to provide at-home assistance to seniors and reduce their risk of falls. We also perform a home safety assessment to help seniors identify potential fall risks in their homes.

Contact our office in Ravenna for a complimentary consultation and to learn more about how our at-home care services can improve your quality of life as you age with osteoporosis.

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