Home Health Care Tips on Maintaining Good Bone Health for Older Adults in Eldersburg, MD and Surrounding Areas
Families in Eldersburg, MD and surrounding areas choose Visiting Angels to provide the home health care services seniors need to maintain healthy bone mineral density
It is not uncommon for aging adults to have fragile or brittle bones in their golden years. However, without proper management, this natural side effect of aging can develop into a condition called osteoporosis, which is a chronic deterioration of bone tissue.
As osteoporosis is often painless, many folks realize they have the condition only after they sustain a fracture or injury, when the scale of deterioration is advanced and harder to treat.
On the bright side, osteoporosis can be prevented by encouraging healthy choices and introducing certain lifestyle changes into your loved one’s routine.
At Visiting Angels Eldersburg, our home health care services can help your loved one eat right and exercise in order to strengthen their bones. Whether our caregivers are preparing nutritious meals or making sure your loved one gets to the community center to exercise, you can count on us to provide the support your loved one needs.
Eating Healthy
A well-balanced, nutritious diet can boost your parent’s overall health and help them reduce the risk of osteoporosis. With this in mind, a wholesome diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is essential for improving bone health. Recommended daily amounts for seniors over 60 should exceed 1,000 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D to prevent fractures.
For seniors who struggle to prepare their own meals, our home health care providers can assist them with planning and preparing meals that are rich in calcium and vitamin D.
Calcium
Calcium is a precious component of our bone tissue, crucial to maintaining strong bones. The vast majority of calcium in the body is housed in our bones and teeth, but this mineral can also be found in the bloodstream. When calcium levels in the blood become low, the body has to make up for this deficiency by taking out calcium from the bones. This process can lead to a reduction in bone density and the development of osteoporosis.
The good news is that there are many tasty foods that are saturated with calcium, such as:
- Various types of dairy products, including milk, cheese and yogurt
- Green vegetables
- Canned sardines and salmon
- Oranges, peaches and dried figs
- Almonds and Brazil nuts
- Bread, cereal and other calcium-fortified foods
Older adults who are allergic to calcium-rich foods or need to adhere to a strict diet can opt to take supplements.
Vitamin D
Apart from calcium, vitamin D is an important component for maintaining strong, healthy bones. This vitamin is responsible for the renewal and natural mineralization of bone tissue. Research has shown that getting sufficient amounts of vitamin D can reduce the risk of bone fracture in older adults by 20 percent.
The best natural sources of vitamin D include exposure to sunlight and adequate nutrition. Foods that are rich in vitamin D include:
- Tuna and mackerel
- Cod liver oil
- Margarine, bran flakes and yogurt
Exercise as Often as Possible
Besides boosting overall health, regular exercise can also help maintain and improve your loved one’s bone health. Engaging in a low-impact exercise can reduce your parent’s likelihood of fractures, slow the rate of bone loss, increase muscle tone and flexibility and more.
Here are some senior-friendly, fun exercises that are good for strengthening bones:
- Dancing
- Aerobics
- Tai chi
- Brisk walking
- Tennis
Our home health care providers can provide meaningful companionship and a caring presence, so your loved one can exercise while staying safe. In addition, we also provide incidental transportation to local gyms, community center and more.
At Visiting Angels Eldersburg, our home health care experts can help your senior loved one to improve their bone health, boost their overall health and independence, and much more. We’ve been a reliable source for in-home care for seniors in Eldersburg, Westminster, Baltimore, Ellicott City, Columbia, Randallstown and surrounding areas in Maryland for many years because of our personalized and comprehensive approach to helping our clients safely and comfortably age in place.
Get in touch with our Eldersburg, MD office today and discover how we can help.