Blog

Reducing the Risk for Osteoporosis in Elderly Men

February 7, 2020
Linda Kunicki
If you or elderly care providers are helping to take care of your elderly loved one, one of the things you should focus on is reducing their risk for developing osteoporosis. Many elderly men develop this disease. The problem is that with this disease your elderly loved one will have an increased risk of falling which could lead to fractures and further injuries. Sometimes these injuries can be fatal. 

Does your elderly loved one drink a lot of alcohol, smoke, take medications that cause bone loss, or have a family history of osteoporosis? If so, then it is important to help them do all they can to prevent this disease.

Healthy Diet

One of the best ways to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis is by making sure your loved one eats a healthy diet. Nutrition helps people to manage a healthy weight and BMI. In addition, research shows that things such as protein, vegetables, and fruit can help with the prevention of osteoporosis. When you or your loved one’s elderly care providers go shopping for them, be sure to buy these things. 

Limiting Alcohol Consumption

If your elderly loved one is a heavy drinker, this can increase their risk of developing osteoporosis. In fact, research shows that high levels of alcohol consumption cause more bone loss in elderly men. You can help your elderly loved one to prevent osteoporosis by working with them to limit their drinking. 

Quit Smoking

Is your elderly loved one a smoker? Studies show that smoking can lead to an increased risk of fractures. If you want to help your elderly loved one to reduce their risk of osteoporosis, you should talk to their doctor about the best course of action to help them to quit smoking. 

Staying Active

If you want to help your elderly loved one to prevent osteoporosis, you should make sure they are staying active. Living a sedentary lifestyle is just one of the risk factors for developing osteoporosis. Research shows that elderly adults who sit over 9 hours each day have double the chances of getting osteoporosis.

Keeping Track of Calcium and Vitamin D Intake

There are many elderly adults who aren’t getting enough calcium and Vitamin D. When one’s body doesn’t get enough of these nutrients, their bones start to be impacted. If your loved one hasn’t had their levels checked, they should get this done. If they are Vitamin D or calcium-deficient, you should make sure they are getting more of these things in their diet.

These are some of the tips for reducing the risk of osteoporosis in elderly men. If you are helping to care for an elderly loved one, make sure they are following through with these tips. 

Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK45523/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22349964
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/osteoporosis-and-exercise
 

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING ELDERLY CARE IN LA GRANGE, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.