As we age, maintaining bone health becomes increasingly important. Bone density normally decreases over time, making seniors more prone to fractures and illnesses such as osteoporosis. However, with the correct strategies, they can enhance their bone health while maintaining an active lifestyle. While seniors might wonder if it’s too late to pay attention to this aspect of their health, the answer is no, and with the help of home care services, they may be able to change things around.
Understanding Bone Health in Later Years
Bones are living tissue that constantly break down and rebuild throughout life. While the body’s efficiency in this process decreases with age, there is still room for improvement. Diet, exercise, and lifestyle behaviors all have an impact on bone health. Even seniors who ignored these issues earlier in life can reap significant benefits by taking action today.
Bone Health Strategies to Incorporate
Home care can support seniors in making changes by helping them incorporate specific strategies, such as the following:
Provide Bones with Proper Nutrition: A diet high in calcium and vitamin D is crucial for bone strength. Calcium serves as a building block, while vitamin D promotes calcium absorption. Seniors should prioritize foods such as dairy, leafy greens, almonds, and fortified cereals. Vitamin D is also obtained from fatty fish such as salmon, as well as from moderate sun exposure. Home care can help them with meal plans to ensure these things are included.
It’s important to note that supplements may be beneficial for seniors who find it difficult to achieve their nutritional demands through diet alone. However, seniors need to consult with their healthcare team before taking supplements.
Engage in Weight-Bearing and Resistance Exercises: Exercise is one of the best strategies to increase bone density. Weight-bearing activities such as walking, dancing, and low-impact aerobics promote bone formation without putting much stress on the bones. Resistance training, such as with resistance bands or modest weights, helps to develop both bones and muscles. The good news is that even seniors with restricted mobility can find adaptable activities that meet their needs, and home care can help. This help includes encouraging them to start slowly, finding exercise videos to follow, or even participating in the activity with them.
Avoid Bone-Damaging Habits: Certain lifestyle decisions can harm bone health. Smoking, heavy alcohol intake, and sedentary behavior all lead to bone density decrease. Making simple but regular adjustments, such as stopping smoking or adding more exercise to everyday activities, can have a significant impact.
Be Vigilant About Medical Care: Regular bone density testing is critical for identifying problems early. Home care can encourage seniors to talk with their healthcare physician about their risk factors and treatment alternatives to develop a personalized plan.
Improving bone health is a lifetime process that can begin at any age. With home care by their side, seniors can control their bone health and live a good life by eating nutritiously, exercising regularly, avoiding dangerous behaviors, and getting medical guidance.
Sources: https://www.southwesthealthcare.com/about/blog/why-it%E2%80%99s-not-too-late-improve-your-bone-health
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/bone-health/keep-your-bones-strong-over-65/
https://www.optum.com/en/health-articles.html/your-care-team-your-care/it-ever-too-late-improve-your-bone-health
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2015/01/osteoporosis-aging
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Manhattan Beach CA, please call the caring staff at Canaan Home Care today! 1-844-CANAAN-1 (1-844-226-2261)
Canaan Home Care – A Premier Provider of Senior Home Care in the La Jolla, Del Mar, San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Tustin, and Manhattan Beach areas.
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