Although osteoporosis in men may not be as common as in women, according to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF), it still affects two million American males. The organization further notes that 12 million more men are at risk. Up to one in four adult males older than 50 will also experience an osteoporosis fracture.
While those statistics are undoubtedly sobering, there’s still some good news. First, osteoporosis and the fractures that can result from it are highly preventable. Moreover, many strategies for preventing and managing this bone disease can also help with overall healthy aging and wellness.
So, join us today at SummerHouse Beau Ridge, our senior living community in the heart of beautiful Ridgeland, MS, just a mere 11+ miles from Jackson, as we share insights into osteoporosis. Read on to discover:
- The connection between osteoporosis and overall senior men’s health
- Ways to prevent and manage osteoporosis
- Fall prevention tips
Let’s get started.
The Connection Between Osteoporosis and Senior Men’s Health
Osteoporosis is a disorder that weakens bones by decreasing their mineral density and mass. The less dense and the weaker the bones get, the higher their risk of fracturing (breaking).
How Osteoporosis Affects Male Senior Health
Osteoporosis can affect the health of senior men by:
- Making their bones, especially in the wrist, hip, and spine, more fragile and susceptible to breaking
- Resulting in fractures that can cause chronic discomfort and pain
- Impairing independent senior health by reducing mobility
Osteoporosis can also increase the risk of other health problems, such as complications after fractures.
Dangerous Complications
A study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders identified an increased risk of infections, including pneumonia, in patients who have suffered hip fractures. Becoming bedridden after a fracture can also heighten the risk of pressure ulcers.
Even more concerning is that men with osteoporosis have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), in the first 12 months after a hip fracture, the overall mortality is 20% in men, higher than that of women.
At the very least, the pain, impaired mobility, and loss of independence that arise from osteoporosis can reduce the overall quality of life of older adults.
Ways to Prevent and Manage Osteoporosis
Preventing and managing osteoporosis involves avoiding risk factors, such as tobacco smoking. Likewise, senior men should boost their calcium and vitamin D intake. Engaging in more physical activity can also help.
Quitting Smoking
As the Rush University Medical Center explains, smoking is bad for bones because:
- It impairs blood (and oxygen) flow to the bones, muscles, and joints
- It affects the body’s calcium absorption ability
- The less calcium absorbed by the body, the weaker and less dense the bones get
For those reasons, older men who smoke should consider quitting now to help their bones and overall health recover.
Seniors in Ridgeland, MS, who wish to quit smoking can get help and support from the Mississippi State Tobacco Quitline (1-800-784-8669 or 1-800-QUIT-NOW). Other platforms that offer assistance are Smokefree.gov and the American Lung Association.
Getting More Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium is the mineral that:
- Forms bones and dental tissue
- Replaces lost bone tissue
- Helps keep bones strong and dense
Vitamin D, on the other hand, is a nutrient the body needs to absorb calcium. A lack of it can prevent the body from utilizing calcium effectively.
Senior men in Ridgeland can boost their calcium and vitamin D intake by incorporating more of these foods into their diet:
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Leafy greens such as kale, bok choy, broccoli, and collard greens
- Fish with edible bones, including sardines and salmon
- Egg yolks
- Beef liver
- Calcium and vitamin D-fortified products, like bread, cereals, and fruit juices
The best way to get vitamin D, however, is sun exposure. SummerHouse Beau Ridge has a private outdoor courtyard and community garden as part of our senior living community amenities. Here, our residents can enjoy nature time and sun exposure while relaxing, exercising, and enjoying fresh air.
Exercising More
Exercising as much as possible is one of the best ways to keep the bones healthy and strong. Best of all, the U.S. CDC says physical activity improves seniors’ health in many other ways, such as by:
- Improving balance and coordination
- Minimizing fall risks
- Controlling weight
- Reducing risks of chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes
- Lowering the risk of anxiety, depression, and dementia
Weight-bearing activities are perfect exercises for improving bone strength and overall health. Examples include:
- Brisk walking
- Dancing
- Jogging
- Gardening
- Low-impact aerobics
SummerHouse Beau Ridge offers a robust calendar of physical, social, recreational, and cognitive events and activities as part of our exclusive senior living programs. From exercise classes to fitness courses, group games, and arts and crafts, we offer all these and more to our older residents.
Fall Prevention Tips
Preventing and managing osteoporosis is just the first step; senior men in Ridgeland, MS, should also focus on preventing slips, trips, and falls, especially at home. Eliminating hazards that contribute to these incidents can help minimize the risks of injuries, especially fractures.
Here are some of the top tips for seniors to stay on their feet and protect themselves from broken bones:
- Keep your home tidy and clutter-free
- Use anti-slip and anti-fatigue footwear, rugs, and mats at home
- Ensure there’s always adequate lighting when moving about
At SummerHouse Beau Ridge, we promote senior safety and well-being by providing all our residents with housekeeping and home maintenance services. Our spacious apartment homes are also well-illuminated and boast handicap accessibility features.
Don’t Let Osteoporosis in Men Get in the Way
Although not as prevalent as in women, osteoporosis in men can still be debilitating and even cause life-threatening injuries. For this reason, senior men should do everything in their power to lower their risk of developing or managing this bone disease. Quitting smoking, getting more calcium and vitamin D, and exercising more are some of the best ways to start.
Let SummerHouse Beau Ridge be your kind and compassionate partner in your journey to healthy and graceful aging. Here, you can enjoy exclusive senior lifestyle programs that promote optimal nutrition and physical, social, and mental health and wellness.
Reach out to us today to schedule a tour of our beautiful senior living community in Ridgeland, MS!
