How Seniors in Littleton, CO and Surrounding Areas Can Maintain Good Bone Health
At Visiting Angels, our caregivers help seniors in Littleton, CO and surrounding areas stick to healthy diets and exercise routines that can help them maintain good bone health and reduce the likelihood of developing osteoporosis
In their golden years, a lot of seniors struggle with age-related conditions, such as osteoporosis. This illness is caused by the loss of bone mineral density and it causes deterioration of bone tissue. Since it is painless, older adults are often not aware they have it until they break a bone. When this occurs the disease has advanced and it has become really hard to treat.
Seniors who suffer from bone fractures often need help from family members or a professional home care provider during the recovery period. Falls and injuries can also lead to a complete loss of independence and can severely affect one’s quality of life.
However, there are some simple lifestyle changes your parent can make to improve their bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Follow a Nutritious Diet
In order to stay healthy, seniors need to get enough calcium and vitamin D throughout the day. In fact, the Institute of Medicine of the US National Academy of Sciences recommends that people over 60 get 1,200 mg of calcium per day and 800-1,000 IU per day of vitamin D.
Calcium is crucial for good bone health. When calcium levels in the blood are low, the body withdraws calcium from the bones, which can cause a low bone mineral density. This is why your loved one should incorporate calcium-rich foods into their diet. Our caregivers can prepare meals that will include dairy products, broccoli, kale and other green vegetables, canned fish, fruits such as oranges, peaches and dried figs, nuts or calcium-fortified foods. In case your loved one is allergic to most of these foods or has to follow a strict diet, they can take supplements.
When it comes to vitamin D, the best way seniors can get it is through nutrition and supplements. Although people usually absorb vitamin D through the sun rays, with age this ability is reduced.
Exercise
Seniors who want to stay healthy and strong should exercise on a regular basis. Working out can help your loved one maintain their bone health, protect their spine and slow the rate of bone loss.
Activities such as aerobics, dancing, walking or tennis can help reduce osteoporosis, so our caregivers can encourage your loved one to participate in them as much as possible. With a regular exercise routine, your senior loved one can increase their coordination, balance and flexibility.
At Visiting Angels Littleton, we can improve your loved one’s bone health by helping them stick to healthy habits. Our caregivers can prepare calcium-rich meals, encourage your parent to stay active and ensure their comfort and safety.
Contact our Littleton, CO office to learn more about how we can help your loved one.