How Seniors in Aspen Hill, MD and Surrounding Areas Can Maintain Good Bone Health
At Visiting Angels, our in-home caregivers help seniors in Aspen Hill, Laurel, Silver Spring and surrounding Maryland communities stick to healthy lifestyle changes that strengthen bones
As we age, our bodies inevitably change. A lot of seniors are dealing with the loss of bone mineral density that can lead to a condition called osteoporosis. Older adults who have this condition have fragile bones that break easily, but since the illness doesn’t cause pain, most of them are unaware they have it until it is too late.
Bone fractures can greatly affect your loved one’s quality of life and lead to a loss of independence. Recovering after an injury is long, and it is quite possible that your parent will require help from a caregiver during this time.
However, with some simple lifestyle changes, your aging loved one can improve their bone health and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. At Visiting Angels of Aspen Hill, we can help your loved one stick to healthy habits that strengthen their bones. Our home care services focus on helping seniors stay independent as they age in place. We want to make sure your loved one stays healthy so they can continue to live at home for as long as they wish.
Whether your parent has been diagnosed with this disease or not, these strategies can significantly improve their quality of life.
Follow a Nutritious Diet
In order to maintain good bone health and prevent the possibility of developing this condition, seniors need to get enough calcium and vitamin D during the day.
Our caregivers can help your loved one get the recommended levels of calcium and vitamin D by preparing and planning nutritious meals. We can also remind your loved one to take supplements as needed.
Calcium
About 99 percent of calcium in the body is stored in the bones. When the levels of calcium in the blood get low, our body takes some of it from the skeleton in order to keep our nerves and muscles healthy and working. However, this can lead to low bone mineral density and cause fragile bones. That is why it is important that your loved one eats calcium-rich foods on a regular basis.
Our caregivers can ensure that dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt, green vegetables, canned fish fruits like oranges, peaches and dried figs, nuts and calcium-fortified foods are included in your parent’s diet. If your parent is allergic to some of these foods, they can take supplements.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for bone health because it helps the body absorb calcium from food and ensures proper renewal of bone tissue. Although vitamin D is absorbed through the sun’s rays, with age the body’s ability to do that gets reduced. Therefore, it is important that seniors eat plenty of vitamin d-rich foods such as fish, cod liver oil and foods specifically fortified with vitamin D. Our caregivers can ensure your loved one takes their supplements, as well.
Exercise
In order to improve their bone health, your loved one should exercise regularly. Physical activity can also build their muscles and improve their strength, coordination, balance and flexibility. Your parent can try weightlifting, dancing, Tai chi, aerobics, walking and other activities that can help reduce osteoporosis.
We can accompany your loved one as they exercise and provide meaningful companionship. We can also provide transportation if your loved one wishes to exercise at the local gym, community center or another location.
At Visiting Angels, our home care services are designed to ensure the health, well-being and safety of your parent. With help from our caregivers, your loved one can stick to healthy habits and maintain their bone health. We’ve been a trusted home care provider for families in Aspen Hill, Silver Spring, Laurel, Bethesda, Colesville and surrounding areas in Maryland because of our client-centered approach to senior care.
Contact our Silver Spring, MD office today to learn more.