Combating Osteoporosis for Seniors

Combating Osteoporosis for Seniors

10 million Americans have osteoporosis. However, at least 44 million have low bone density. This places them at risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. While it’s a serious condition, it’s something that can drastically affect the quality of life for senior citizens. Everyone wants to maintain their health for as long as possible, and for many seniors, this means learning about combating osteoporosis. Thankfully, there are strategies seniors can use to prevent or slow down the onset of osteoporosis. Keep reading as we cover tips on how seniors can fight against this disease while still enjoying life.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a medical condition that causes your bones to become weak and more porous. This makes them brittle and more prone to breaking. It’s most common in older adults, but it can affect people of any age due to the following:

  • Certain diseases
  • Medications
  • Smoking
  • Inadequate calcium intake
  • Lack of exercise

Besides the increased risk of broken bones, osteoporosis has also been linked with back pain and decreased height over time. Although osteoporosis has no cure, doctors typically suggest lifestyle changes like better nutrition and regular exercise to slow down the condition’s progression.

What Causes Osteoporosis?

As mentioned above, there are several causes of osteoporosis. Commonly, it’s due to low calcium and vitamin D intake. However, it could be due to lifestyle factors, including poor exercise and nutrition. Who is at risk? Generally, women experience a greater likelihood of developing this condition as they transition into menopause due to decreased estrogen levels. People who are taking medications like corticosteroids may also have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Unfortunately, age is a major risk factor for this condition. Therefore, you should take preventative steps early, such as eating healthy and regular physical activity. This can help reduce your chance of developing this debilitating condition later in life.

Combating Osteoporosis in Seniors

Preventing osteoporosis for seniors is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Thankfully, you can take some simple steps to prevent or lessen its effects. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D through diet or supplements and regular exercise are key components. What kinds of exercises are best? Weight-bearing activities such as walking, jogging, and strength training help prevent osteoporosis.

Additionally, it’s smart to limit alcohol consumption and quit smoking if possible. Overall, moving your body regularly helps quite a bit. If you experience joint pain, consider exercising in a pool. Water aerobics are incredibly beneficial for seniors looking for low-impact, highly-effective exercise. Don’t enjoy water exercises? Don’t worry; there are plenty of alternatives! Other great exercises include the following.

Elliptical

We understand that running on a treadmill or hard pavement is high-impact on your bones. That’s why we suggest walking on an elliptical as an alternative. The elliptical’s smooth and low-impact motion helps strengthen bones. It also works for all major muscle groups without causing joint pain or injury. Moreover, this exercise can improve balance and coordination without expensive activity equipment. Plus, incorporating the elliptical into an individualized routine provides mental and physical rewards from exercise. These are also key for senior well-being.

Hiking

When in doubt, getting out in nature is always best. Sunshine, fresh air, and greenery can all benefit your mental and physical well-being. What is the best way to get all of that? Go for a hike! Hiking provides a way to get regular physical activity without straining the joints or putting too much stress on the body. In addition, hiking helps build muscle strength in the legs, which improves balance and reduces the likelihood of falls. Plus, hiking offers mental benefits such as reducing stress and increasing overall happiness.

Weightlifting

No, we’re not talking about Olympic powerlifting here. We’re simply talking about adding some resistance training to your daily movement routine. Exercise that involves lifting weights helps strengthen muscles and improve overall balance. Both can lessen the chance of falls and fractures associated with osteoporosis. Weights don’t have to be heavy or complicated. If you’re a senior just getting started lifting weights, easy bodyweight exercises like squats or planks are a great place to start!

Senior Care for Osteoporosis

Are you combating osteoporosis as a senior? You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Assisted living is a great way to support senior citizens with osteoporosis. These communities often provide greater access to care and resources than traditional at-home arrangements. This can be invaluable when managing osteoporosis. Moreover, assisted living facilities boast an impressive range of amenities, including the following:

  • Healthcare professionals
  • Medication management
  • Exercise programs
  • Nutritious meals
  • Plenty of activities for the residents to enjoy

Additionally, assisted living can provide seniors with companionship during this important stage. This is something that can be beneficial for everyone involved. With assisted living providing all these advantages and more, it’s no wonder why so many seniors are turning to this option to manage their osteoporosis!

Explore Our Senior Living Facilities

Senior living facilities provide more than help combating osteoporosis. They provide a community within which you can thrive independently. At least, that’s what we do.

At Inspired Living, we go beyond just providing a place to call home and strive to provide thoughtful solutions that will impact people’s lives. Our goal is to do whatever it takes to remove obstacles and get closer to our mission of inspiring others.

We’d love for you to get in touch with us so we can show you how much love and dedication goes into our communities across the country and set you up for a tour. With Inspired Living, get ready for an experience full of meaning and belonging.

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