Bone density is a major issue for seniors, both men and women. When things like osteoporosis impact bone health, we become more susceptible to injuries. Broken bones can lead to extended times in nursing homes and cause permanent disability in the elderly population, and this has a serious negative impact upon the quality of life. In many cases, falls and injuries are inevitable, but if we can take proper steps to help ourselves and our loved ones have better bone health, then if a fall does happen, the injuries sustained will be far less severe.
First, make sure that your loved one has a bone density scan at the appropriate time. Depending upon their past, and depending on their doctor’s recommendations, this will vary from person to person. Consult a physician and make sure that these are not only be scheduled appropriately, but that your loved one is going to their appointments. If this means taking time off from work, then you need to do this for their health. An alternative method of ensuring that they get to all of their medical appointments is to hire an in-home care service that provides transportation and have their caregiver get them where they need to be.
From a practical standpoint, there are a few things that can be done from home to help tilt the odds in our favor when it comes to health. Make sure that your loved one is getting plenty of calcium, taking supplements if necessary. Help them get exercise. Studies have shown that resistance exercises, such as lifting weights, helps to not only build muscle strength, but bone strength, too. They also help coordination, which reduces the chances of an accidental fall before it ever occurs. Help them to quit smoking and drinking. There is plenty of research out there that says alcohol increases the risk of osteoporosis and tobacco weakens bone strength. These are all simple enough for most people, and they are things that can have an almost immediate impact.
There are also warning signs that indicate that your older relative might be at a higher risk of low bone density. If they have a history of eating disorders in the past, like anorexia or bulimia, this can impact bone health. Also, certain medications have an impact. Steroids like cortisone can weaken bones, as can thyroid hormone treatments, many drugs used to treat breast cancer, and some antidepressants. If your loved one has taken one or more of these medications in the past, a bone density scan is warranted, and better preventative measures should be used to help stop bone loss from occurring.
Having an aging loved one is a challenge. They have needs that you might not know how to address, and the challenges of helping them after a fall can make this much more difficult to deal with. You do not need the added complications of having a permanent disability when it could be avoidable. This is why taking preventative measures early are important. Hopefully, this can be of help to you by reducing the chances of a life changing injury.
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