May is National Osteoporosis Awareness Month. It’s a good time to talk about bones, everything they do for us, and how we owe them some respect by watching out for their health.
There’s an important fact to mention upfront – the biggest risk associated with osteoporosis is fractures. We’ll emphasize how to minimize that risk, including things we can do to prevent the disease from developing, and ways to prevent falls that can lead to breaks (covered in an earlier SeaCare article).
Osteoporosis means “porous bone” and is a disease that causes bones to weaken and lose mass. It’s common, affecting some 54 million Americans. Of those, about one in two women and one in four men over age 50 will break a bone because of it.
These are big numbers and they reflect a condition that belongs mostly to older adults. But awareness belongs to everyone, including younger adults, caregivers, and children.
Here’s some good news. Osteoporosis is largely preventable and treatable. It’s never too early, or too late, to employ habits and practices to address this serious disease.
We reach our peak bone density around age 30, after which it declines. This means parents play an important role in helping their children and young adults develop bone-healthy practices. Strong bones developed early stay vital longer.
Post-menopausal women experience most of their bone density loss in the 10 years following menopause. This is a crucial time to know what dietary and activity practices can help to minimize the loss.
Have a look at some interesting facts about our skeletal system to understand more about the importance of taking care of it. Our bones are not only the framework of our bodies, they’re also caretakers.
Bone density decreases for everyone as we age, but osteoporosis is not a given. There are, however, some inherent risk factors. Because we have no control over them, certain people have a higher chance of developing osteoporosis.
These are traits we cannot change about ourselves:
Certain medical conditions can increase the odds of developing osteoporosis, in part due to the medications commonly used in treatment.
Conditions that may cause bone loss include:
This list is not exhaustive. There are several other medical disorders that can contribute to bone loss. Consult your health care provider for help in determining your level of risk.
Older adults are more likely to use medicines to treat chronic conditions, some of which may increase the odds of developing osteoporosis. Health care providers and pharmacists can help weigh the pros and cons of drugs prescribed for some medical disorders and whether to continue their use.
One category of drug likely to lead to bone loss is steroids (especially with long-term use), which is often used to ease inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or gout. Some antacids, certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used for depression, treatments for acid reflux disease, and chemotherapeutic drugs may also cause bone loss.
(Note: never stop taking any prescribed medication unless directed to do so by your doctor.)
It makes sense to talk about preventing osteoporosis by looking at lifestyle habits that are within our power to change. Even with a diagnosis of osteoporosis, it’s possible to make changes that reduce our risk of injury.
Here are some practices that can improve bone health, no matter our age.
According to Seattle & King County Public Health, one in three adults aged 65 and older experience one or more falls each year. While not every fall is serious, falls continue to be the leading cause of injury and death in this age group.
Falls occur for several reasons that become more common the older a person gets, but many are preventable.
The most common reason for falls? Home hazards, which account for 50-70% of falls. Here are some practices to adopt around the home to reduce the risk of falls.
Families and caregivers can contribute to fall prevention by being observant of their older loved ones’ mobility and balance.
Regular vision and hearing checkups can reduce the likelihood of falls.
Review medications with a health care provider. The use of certain medications can pose a greater risk of falling due to drowsiness or vision impairment. Drug interactions can be problematic, and alcohol use can exacerbate side effects of some medicines.
It’s possible to improve fitness level regardless of age. Exercise can boost flexibility, increase strength, and enhance balance. It’s never too late to start, but if you’re new to exercise, it’s essential to consult your health care provider and to find an experienced trainer or class that caters to older adults. Check out Shape Up! 50+, another offering from Seattle & King County Public Health.
Here’s how exercise makes a difference in bone health:
At SeaCare we want to help you live your best life at home. This means personalized care that prioritizes your comfort and safety. Call us to learn more.
Reference: Gerard Karsenty, Columbia University, 2017
Katie Wright writes about aging and senior wellness from Bellingham, WA. You can read more about her here.