What do you know about osteoporosis in men? The first thing is that the condition often goes unnoticed as the loss in bone density occurs over time. However, you can preserve bone strength in various ways, such as switching to a calcium-rich diet.
According to the National Library of Medicine, the prevalence of osteoporosis rises with age. Bone remodeling and renewal slow down after age 50 because the body is creating less bone than it is breaking down.
Situated in Mount Pleasant, IA, Addington Place offers seniors the perfect environment and necessary amenities to manage osteoporosis. The environment is designed to improve senior wellness, with mobility aids and different modifications to reduce the risk of falls.
Let's explore everything you need to know about osteoporosis in men and how you can improve your health.
Osteoporosis is often regarded as a silent disease due to the lack of symptoms. However, it affects millions of seniors, and many cases go untreated, undiagnosed, or undetected.
There is no specific cause of osteoporosis, but certain risk factors contribute to its emergence, such as:
Genetic factors and a family history of osteoporosis may also increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Regular screenings and scans can help determine if your bone density is within the normal range. A T-score of -2.5 or less after a DEXA scan indicates osteoporosis.
The main symptom of osteoporosis is frequent fractures or broken bones. Bone loss is also evident if there is loss of height, poor grip strength, and receding gums.
Effective bone strength tips can help prevent or manage osteoporosis as you age. Avoiding sugar and consuming less alcohol are good preventative measures. Other ways to preserve bone health are through:
Adjusting your diet can help you get the necessary nutrients for stronger bones. Include foods rich in calcium in your daily meal plan. The recommended intake of calcium for seniors is usually 1200 mg daily.
Foods rich in calcium include:
Eating a lot of calcium can prove ineffective if you don't get vitamin D. This nutrient is necessary for calcium absorption.
Ideally, you need an intake of eggs, fatty fish, or supplements. Safe sun exposure can also help you get vitamin D.
Further, including more protein in your diet aids in maintaining bone strength. Great options include lean meat and plant-based proteins such as legumes. Besides switching to the right diet, you need to reduce the intake of certain substances, such as:
Adhering to a strict diet can be difficult and even expensive for seniors at home. Luckily, the Addington Place of Mount Pleasant has professionally prepared meals to improve senior men's health.
Physical exercises can help stimulate bone formation and help maintain strength. Ensure you do various weight-bearing exercises a few times every week. Some of the best exercises for better bone health include:
Walking with a weighted vest is also an effective exercise for strengthening bones, especially in the upper abdomen. Don't forget to incorporate flexibility and balance exercises to enhance your mobility.
Plus, make modifications in your home to prevent falls, such as using non-slip mats and buying assistive devices for areas like the bathroom. The floor plans and living options in assisted living in Mt. Pleasant, SC, have a home-like environment designed to improve mobility and mitigate the risk of falls.
In addition, the community has a year-round activity calendar to keep seniors physically and mentally engaged. You can join your peers for morning exercise classes or group activities such as shopping trips and excursions to nearby attractions.
According to Johns Hopkins, bone breakdown often outpaces formation after age 50. Even with adequate prevention strategies, bone loss occurs the more you age. Fortunately, osteoporosis in men is also manageable with medication.
Getting your bone density regularly scanned can help you understand how to make adjustments to improve your bone health. It's also vital for early intervention with medications such as:
Medication management for seniors can be challenging, especially if they're on numerous prescriptions. The staff at Senior Living in Mt. Pleasant are professionally trained in medication management and will ensure you take all the prescriptions on time and as directed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 33.5% of men had low bone mass. Low bone density precedes osteoporosis, which is why it's so important for seniors to engage in activities that improve their bone health.
Transitioning to an assisted living community is the best way to achieve healthy aging and wellness. Addington Place of Mount Pleasant offers a curated menu and fine dining to eliminate the consumption of caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners.
Weight management is more achievable in assisted living due to the focus on physical exercise. Unlike at home, the community offers you a support system from your peers, making it easier to participate in physical activity.
Assisted living also mitigates osteoporosis in men through:
Assisted living focuses on holistic senior wellness through activities that foster greater social connection. Meal portions are also adjusted to account for seniors' calorie and nutritional needs.
Osteoporosis in men is manageable and preventable by focusing on activities that enhance bone strength. Although lifestyle changes can help mitigate the risk of osteoporosis, staying physically active and eating a calcium-rich diet is more effective.
At Addington Place of Mount Pleasant, we provide an environment with structured routines and programs designed to mitigate various health conditions, such as osteoporosis. We prioritize your personal needs, and our staff focuses on offering compassionate care that ranges from managing medications to assistance with daily tasks.
Contact us today to schedule a tour of our community.