Living with Osteoporosis: Tips for Strength, Safety, and Wellness

What is the best way to live with osteoporosis? As we age, it's normal to experience a loss in bone density. However, too much loss can lead to osteoporosis, with the main indicator being broken bones or frequent fractures.

According to the National Institute on Aging, osteoporosis affects one in five women and one in twenty men above the age of 50. The condition's prevalence rises with age, and the primary precursor of osteoporosis is low bone density.

Healthy living with osteoporosis is possible with the right exercise regimen and diet to help you stay safe, active, and independent. Let's look into the tips you can follow to manage your osteoporosis effectively in Brookfield, WI.

Causes and Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is commonly known as the 'silent disease' because it can go undetected for a very long time. The condition doesn't have a single cause, but certain risk factors can contribute to its occurrence, such as:

Age
Genetic factors
Chronic use of tobacco products
Vitamin D and calcium deficiency
Hormonal inconsistencies

Bone metabolism involves the use of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. This is one of the reasons why osteoporosis is more prevalent in women than men above the age of 50.

The symptoms of osteoporosis often go unnoticed until you get a medical check-up or suffer a broken bone or fracture. The Food and Drug Administration found that osteoporosis can cause spontaneous fractures due to minor stress, such as lifting or bending.

The best way to know if you have osteoporosis is to get tested through ultrasounds and X-rays. These tests can determine the level of bone density, making it easier to detect osteoporosis. Diagnosis and early detection are essential for osteoporosis support for seniors.

How to Preserve Bone Health in Aging

Effectively managing osteoporosis involves finding ways to manage bone health and density as you age. Although medication can help prevent or slow down further bone loss, lifestyle changes are the best way to preserve your health.

Some of the strategies you can implement to preserve bone health in aging are:

Physical Activity

Physical exercises can improve bone health and enhance aging mobility, making them crucial in fall prevention. However, not all physical exercises can strengthen bones. Weight-bearing exercises are the best in managing bone loss.

Some of the weight-bearing exercises you can try include:

Jogging and running
Weightlifting
Climbing stairs and body weight exercises such as pushups

Weightlifting exercises should target different parts of the body to optimize bone health across different regions. For instance, biceps curls and shoulder lifts are ideal weight-bearing exercises for better bone health in the arms and shoulders.

Sticking to a physical workout plan as you age is difficult. But assisted living in Brookfield, WI, offers you the perfect environment and support to engage in regular physical activities.

Proper Nutrition

Eating right is one of the core ways of preserving bone health. Getting more calcium in your diet can help prevent bone loss. Women above the age of 50 need to hit a calcium intake target of about 1,200 mg, and men need at least 1,000 mg.

Some of the sources of calcium include:

Leafy greens such as collard greens and kale
Dairy products such as cheeses, yogurt, and milk
Dried figs and oranges

Getting the right nutrients in your diet helps you remain healthy as you age. However, aging often comes with a loss of appetite. But you can overcome this by staying active and setting regular meal times.

Senior living in Brookfield, WI, makes it easy to enjoy a balanced diet that can enhance your physical and mental well-being. Besides a proper diet, getting vitamin D is necessary as it plays a crucial role in the absorption of calcium. Additionally, greater protein consumption helps maintain muscle mass.

Tips for Healthy Living With Osteoporosis

Living with osteoporosis requires adjusting your lifestyle to reduce fall risk. The first step is changing the environment to make it more bone-friendly. Installing grab bars and mobility aids across your house can improve your safety.

Further, place non-slip mats across different areas of your home, such as outside the bathroom. Purchase more study and non-slip shoes to make it easier to move around comfortably without the risk of falling. You may also get assistive devices and a walker or cane for better balance.

Other changes you need to make include:

Reducing the intake of alcohol, caffeine, and salt
Quitting smoking and the use of tobacco
Stay socially active and connected within the community

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoporosis prevalence is more significant in women than men. However, both genders need to take the necessary precautions as they age due to the risk of osteoporosis.

Medication management is also an effective way to minimize the adverse effects of osteoporosis. You need to follow the prescriptions as directed by the physician to maximize their efficacy. Assisted living in Brookfield, WI, offers osteoporosis support for seniors, including medication management.

When to Move to an Assisted Living Community

Transitioning to an assisted living or memory care community in Brookfield, WI, can help you get the support and care you need as you age. When evaluating different communities, choose one that offers both assisted living and memory care.

Some of the indicators you need to move to an assisted living community are:

Frequent falls and mobility challenges
Presence of one or more chronic conditions
Poor nutrition and weight loss
Inability to perform activities of daily living

Assisted living communities also have the amenities and support necessary to make living with osteoporosis easy. You can get specialized care that prioritizes your needs and preferences.

Living With Osteoporosis: Learn the Right Way to Manage the Condition Today

Living with osteoporosis usually means drastically altering your lifestyle. But you can still enjoy your freedom and learn mobility and strength tips with the right support. That's where assisted living in Brookfield, WI, comes in.

Discovery Commons Brookfield offers a vibrant assisted living community and specialized care for memory loss. Our individualized care plan prioritizes your needs and provides the necessary support to enhance your quality of life as you age.