Did you know that over 10 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis? On top of that, over 44 million have low bone density, according to St. John's Health.
After you receive an osteoporosis diagnosis, you may wonder how living with osteoporosis will affect your lifestyle and well-being. Look no further.
For seniors in McKinney, TX, Redbud Place is here to help. Read on to learn more about bone health in seniors, osteoporosis support, and aging safely with osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a progressive disease that primarily affects the bones. It reduces bone density, causing bones to become weaker. As a result, people with osteoporosis are more likely to experience bone fractures.
Osteoporosis often presents with no symptoms at first. The diagnosis can be revealed through a bone density test, which measures the mineral density of your bone to diagnose conditions like osteoporosis.
Some of the main symptoms of osteoporosis are:
Catching osteoporosis early is vital to senior wellness. Early diagnosis means your medical team can take more steps to prevent fractures and further bone density loss.
High-impact workouts put extra strain on your muscles, joints, and bones. You must steer clear of these types of workouts when you exercise with osteoporosis.
HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts may be fun, but they can wreak havoc on your body. Try cardio that will still increase your heart rate, but will not risk damaging your bones.
Some examples include:
According to the CDC, seniors should aim for at least 150 minutes of cardio every week. You can split this time up however works best for you, depending on the activity and whether you factor in rest days.
Incorporating dairy into your meals is a great way to get more calcium and vitamin D into your diet. Since the biggest cause of osteoporosis is lifelong nutritional deficiency of calcium, upping your intake is more important than ever.
Some of the most popular dairy items include:
Your medical team knows more about your body than anyone else. That is why it is important to keep them informed about your osteoporosis.
Talk to your doctor before making any major lifestyle changes, such as starting a new diet or revamping your exercise regimen. They can give you advice on how to implement these changes safely.
If you need extra support, your doctors may also prescribe medication to help with your osteoporosis symptoms. Some of the most popular medications include:
Every individual is different, so medication might not be the right option for you. In that case, you should consider alternative treatments if your doctors recommend them.
Dark, leafy greens are packed with nutrients that support bone health, as well as antioxidants. Here are some of the most popular leafy greens to incorporate into your dishes:
For a crunch, try mixing your favorite greens with a zesty salad dressing. If you want more nutrients and a softer texture, consider cooking the greens and adding them to your staple recipes.
One of the only benefits of millions of Americans living with osteoporosis? You do not have to go through it alone. Connection is vital for senior wellness.
See if you can find others in your neighborhood or senior living community who also suffer from osteoporosis. Try to meet regularly to exchange stories and share bone strength tips.
In today's digital age, the power of social media is an advantage for support groups. Join an online group on a website such as Facebook. You can connect with people all over the world and find relatable content.
The best way to prevent fractures is to prevent falls from occurring in the first place. Take necessary steps at home and any other places you go regularly so you can navigate the world safely.
The bathroom is one of the riskiest areas. Install grab bars next to the toilet and the towel rack. Lay down anti-slip stickers on the shower or bathtub floor. Purchase an anti-slip bath mat for when you step out of the shower.
Ensure that there is no clutter around your home that could impede your mobility. Clear potential obstacles, such as piles of junk and furniture jutting out into doorways and walkways.
If you have a walker or a wheelchair, openings need to be big enough to accommodate them. Jamming a walker foot or a wheelchair wheel against a wall or corner could cause a fall.
Moving your body is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, no matter how old you are. Do not let osteoporosis stop you from enjoying your workouts.
Try to find exercises that are mentally and physically stimulating. If you live in an assisted living or senior living community, take a look at the activity calendar to see if any group classes stand out to you.
You do not have to exercise every day to reap the benefits, but a routine is important. Aim for four to five days a week, with rest days when needed.
If you're a senior in McKinney, TX, living with osteoporosis, you're not alone. With this guide, you can have a full, healthy life without letting a medical condition hold you back.
Have you considered an assisted living community? Redbud Place Assisted Living may be the ideal choice for your needs. Our thoughtful and caring team works hard to help you according to your individualized care plan.
Want to learn more? Contact us today or schedule a tour so you can see the beauty in person. We are excited to hear from you!