Osteoporosis is a form of arthritis that makes bones thin and brittle, so they break more easily.
In fact, they can become so fragile that just coughing or bumping into something can cause a fracture. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, around 10 million people in the United States suffer from osteoporosis. Older adults are at higher risk for developing osteoporosis, but there are things that can be done to improve their bone health, hopefully preventing osteoporosis.
About Osteoporosis
Bone tissue is constantly being replaced. Old cells die and new ones are formed. When a person has osteoporosis, their body makes new bone tissue more slowly than it loses old tissue. At about the age of 30, people’s bodies stop building more bone mass. Then, in their 40s and 50s, new tissue may start to form more slowly than old tissue breaks down.
A person can have osteoporosis for many years before they notice any symptoms. When symptoms begin, they may include:
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- A fractured or collapsed vertebra that causes back pain.
- Becoming shorter over time.
- A posture that is stooped or hunched.
- Bones that break easily.
- Ways to Prevent Osteoporosis
Preventing osteoporosis is a matter of improving bone health. Some of the things older adults can do to protect their bone health are:
Eat Enough Protein: Protein is necessary for building bone tissue. It’s not uncommon for older adults to eat too little protein. Meats may be hard to chew or be too expensive for a limited budget. Try to increase healthy proteins in their diet, such as fish, legumes, beans, and poultry.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: People who way too little are at a greater risk for bone loss and breaks. Being too heavy is associated with a greater chance of breaking bones in the forearms and wrists.
Increase Calcium and Vitamin D: A lack of calcium causes the body to use bone tissue to get what it needs, causing bones to break down more quickly. To increase calcium, add more low-fat dairy, dark green vegetables, fortified foods and beverages, and sardines or salmon with bones. In addition to calcium, vitamin D is necessary to help the body absorb calcium. Talk to the senior’s doctor about whether supplements are appropriate.
Exercise: Exercise prompts the body to build stronger bones and slows down bone loss. Older adults should include weight bearing, balance, and strength training exercises.
Home care can assist your aging relative to improve their bone health.
Home care providers can add protein and calcium-rich foods to the senior’s diet. They can also cook foods that are low in fat and calories to promote weight loss.
Home care providers can also increase the amount of physical activity the older adult gets, as well as helping them to exercise at home by going for walks or sitting with them, so they feel safe. Furthermore, a home care provider can drive them to an exercise facility to use the equipment or take a class.
For more information about hiring Caregiver in La Jolla, CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Sources
Webmd.com
Nia.nih.gov
Mayoclinic.org
Cdn.nof.org
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