How Osteoporosis Affects Seniors
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
Potential outcomes of osteoporosis include the following:
- Breaks and fractures
- Complications resulting from breaks & fractures
- Poor posture
- 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.
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
The following are tips on how to manage 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
Risk Factors of Osteoporosis
The following are a few risk factors of osteoporosis:
- Being a woman
- Getting older
- Being a Caucasian or Asian decent
- Family history
- Small body frame
- Unhealthy diet
- Lack of exercise
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. Symptoms of osteoporosis can include the following:
- Loss of height
- Aches without injury
- Poor posture
- Oral bone loss conditions
- Regular fractures
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.
These are just a few essential things seniors need to know about osteoporosis. HomeSpark provides non-medical and in-home care services in Bryan/College Station. Whether your senior loved ones requires transportation services to medical appointments, medical retrieval or rearranging furniture for safety accommodations, our caregivers are here to help with the care they need. Contact us with the link below for more information or to schedule your non-medical in-home care services with one of our Bryan/College Station caregivers today!
