According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, 50% of women and 25% of men are at a risk of having an osteoporotic fracture when they reach the age of 50. What is even more alarming is the fact that some people are not aware they are already suffering from osteoporosis. The risk increases when women are over 65 and men over 70. When living in Harvey, LA assisted living, here is how you can prevent osteoporosis.
Perform Exercises
One of the beauties of being in an assisted living community is being able to do some physical activities according to your fitness level. The focus here is to make sure that you maintain your strength and at least have some flexibility. These are keys to preventing you from suffering future injuries. For residents who are not fully ambulatory, doing some stretching exercises will help. Those who are capable, on the other hand, may try weight-bearing or resistance exercises. These will help maintain healthy bones while also building bone density.
Other forms of exercises recommended for your age are weightlifting, Tai Chi, yoga, walking, and dancing. These physical activities can help improve not just your stability, but your balance as well. There are also modified versions for any of these activities, and are proven to help not just with osteoporosis, but also with hip fractures and fall.
Eat Healthy
Life in assisted living communities should guarantee that you are served nutritious, and healthy food all the time. Food must be nutritious so that you will definitely eat what your body requires for daily living. It must be healthy enough to support overall health, and when you want your bones to be better, this diet must also be planned to support bone health. Vitamin and other dietary supplements must also be recommended by an in-house dietitian, or your health care provider.
Accessibility
It is the duty of team members to see to it that your most commonly used items, like books, toiletries, clothes, and tools for hobbies, are easily accessible. This will prevent you from stooping or bending too much, both of which commonly lead to injury or misstep. If needed, you will also have a grabber or a long-arm reaching tool that will help you grab on objects you may have dropped.
Clear Pathways
Clear pathways are important to prevent you from tripping. Common areas and hallways should be free from any mess, and so is your floor in your apartment home. Team members will check that your spaces are tidied up all the time. Walking aids, like walkers and canes, must also be placed closely to your bed, so you can easily use them whenever you need to.
Take Medications Accordingly
Biphosphonates are commonly used to treat osteoporosis, as they help slow down the bone’s breakdown. They allow osteoblasts, or the building cells, to work more effectively to keep your bone healthy. There are also other medications that may help reverse the effects of osteoporosis. Make sure you take them as advised by your healthcare provider.
