National Osteoporosis Awareness Month

National Osteoporosis Awareness Month is observed in May. During National Osteoporosis Awareness Month, the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, along with medical professionals throughout the U.S., raise awareness of osteoporosis, teach things like who is at risk, and provide tips on how to prevent this disease.

Whether you are at risk of getting osteoporosis, have been recently diagnosed, or have a loved one living with osteoporosis, there are ways to maintain your quality of life, while reducing the risk of injury.

Learning about osteoporosis, how to maintain bone health, and how skilled nursing facilities support those with osteoporosis helps people improve their health and identify support after diagnosis.

What Is Osteoporosis And Why Is It Common In Seniors?

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones. Unlike many diseases, it doesn’t have obvious symptoms alerting you to its development, but once it develops, it decreases bone density.

People with osteoporosis suffer structural weakness and an increased risk of bone fractures.

Osteoporosis is common in seniors because bone growth slows with age. Osteoporosis develops when the rate of bone growth is less than the rate of bone loss.

Why National Osteoporosis Awareness Month Matters And How It Raises Awareness

National Osteoporosis Awareness Month is crucial for raising awareness about osteoporosis.

Campaigns help raise awareness about the following:

• Who’s at risk.
• Why bone health is important.
• How to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Organization, healthcare providers, and other organizations host events during National Osteoporosis Awareness Month. These events are designed to educate and inform people about osteoporosis.

There are also opportunities to ask medical experts questions online, allowing those with limited access to medical care to get reliable information.

Raising awareness during National Osteoporosis Awareness Month also helps with fundraising efforts. Funds raised are used to support individuals with osteoporosis who need expert care and to support research for effective treatments for those living with this disease.

During National Osteoporosis Awareness Month, organizations and medical professionals raise awareness about ways to prevent osteoporosis, such as joining walking clubs and getting the right nutrients to support bone health.

Risk Factors For Osteoporosis

Risk factors for osteoporosis include:

• Age: Older people are more likely to develop osteoporosis due to a decreased rate of bone growth.
• Body frame size: You are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis if you have a small body frame.
• Family history: Your risk of osteoporosis increases if you have a parent or sibling who has osteoporosis.
• Gender: Women have an increased risk of getting osteoporosis because of estrogen loss.
• Hormone levels: Lower levels of estrogen and testosterone increase the risk of osteoporosis. High levels of thyroid hormones also increase the risk.
• Lack of activity: Individuals with a sedentary lifestyle have a higher risk of osteoporosis. Walking, lifting weights, and dancing are exercises that help reduce the risk.
• Medical conditions: Individuals who receive treatments for breast or prostate cancer have lower levels of estrogen and testosterone, increasing their risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, individuals who need long-term treatment with corticosteroid medicines have an increased risk.
  • Corticosteroid medicines may be used to treat conditions, such as:
    • Cancer
    • Seizures
    • Transplant rejection
  • Other medical conditions, such as the following, are also associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis:
    • Celiac disease
    • Inflammatory bowel disease
    • Kidney disease
    • Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lifestyle choices: Smoking and drinking increase the risk of osteoporosis.
• Nutrition: Consuming a diet lacking in calcium and vitamin D increases the risk of osteoporosis.
• Race: Those who are of Asian descent or white are most likely to get osteoporosis.

How Osteoporosis Increases Risk Of Fractures And Impacts Quality Of Life 

When bones weaken, they’re more fragile. Consequently, it’s easier for people with osteoporosis to break bones if they fall or bump into objects. Each year, 14 million older adults in the U.S. suffer a fall, and over one-third of those who fall need medical care.

Those who fear falling or suffer fall-related injuries are less likely to enjoy physical activities. Immobility can compound or cause other health issues, and fear of injury can prevent older adults from engaging in their favorite pastimes. It also prevents some from enjoying social opportunities, leading to increased isolation and loneliness.

Ways Seniors Can Protect Bone Health

Seniors can protect their bone health and help prevent osteoporosis, while decreasing the risk of fractures, with a healthy diet and lifestyle choices:

• Diet: Getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and protein will help reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
• Exercise: Exercise regularly. Good exercises for supporting bone health include walking and weightlifting.

Getting osteoporosis screenings after you turn 65 can also help you maintain your bone health.

Practical Tips For Seniors And Caregivers To Reduce Fracture Risk And How To Safely Stay Active

The best way to reduce the risk of falls and stay active is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent osteoporosis.

You can help reduce your risk by:

• Eating healthy foods.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Staying active.

There are risk factors beyond your control, and if you or a loved one has a health issue that affects mobility and balance, opting for water aerobics is a good way to stay active, while reducing the risk of fall-related injuries. Using support, such as a cane or walker, can also help.

Monument Health Supports Seniors Through Fall Prevention, Rehabilitation, And Ongoing Care

Monument Health’s skilled nursing facilities provide personalized care for each resident. When you contact us to discuss care, we’ll explain how our expert medical staff and caregivers customize treatments for those who’ve suffered a fall or are at increased risk of falls due to osteoporosis.

Our care plans also include physical therapy exercises designed to help residents rebuild bone and muscle strength and improve balance.

Lastly, our team provides the expert care people with osteoporosis need to restore their health and quality of life.