In-Home Care Experts Share Tips on Maintaining Good Bone Health for Seniors in Longmont, CO and Surrounding Areas

With our in-home care services, seniors in Longmont, Boulder, Louisville and surrounding areas in Boulder County can get the support they need to stick to healthy habits that can help them maintain bone mineral density

The loss of bone density is a common part of the aging process, one which can lead to a condition known as osteoporosis. This chronic condition is characterized by low bone mass and gradual deterioration of bone tissue. During the onset, the symptoms of osteoporosis are barely noticeable so many aging adults are left unaware they have the condition until they suffer a fracture or fall-related injury.

As you might know, falls are a serious health concern for seniors as they can cause serious injuries that often take a long time to heal. Falls can even lead to the loss of independence and take a heavy toll on one’s quality of life.

However, both osteoporosis and falls can be avoided altogether by making healthy dietary changes and exercising on a regular basis. At Visiting Angels in Boulder County, our in-home care providers can help your loved one stick to healthy habits by assisting with meal preparation, transportation to gyms and community centers and so much more.

Nutritious Diet

With a well-balanced, healthy diet plan in place, your parent can reduce the likelihood of osteoporosis. The intake of calcium and vitamin D is especially important for improving bone health. Older adults over 60 should keep their daily intake at 1,200 mg of calcium and 800-1,000 IU of vitamin D to maintain good bone density.

Calcium

Calcium is a major component of bone tissue, meaning it is essential to our bone health. While the skeleton houses 99 percent of our body’s calcium, it can also be found in the blood. When calcium levels in the blood are low, our body takes calcium from the bones to make up for the low levels in the bloodstream. It is this insufficiency that can make bones brittle over time.

To avoid this, your loved one should eat calcium-rich foods, such as:

• Milk, cheeses, and various types of yogurt
• Broccoli, kale, and green vegetables in general
• Canned fish, especially sardines and salmon
• Fruits such as oranges, peaches, and dried figs
• Nuts
• Calcium-fortified foods like breads and cereals

If your loved one is allergic to calcium-rich foods or has to adhere to a strict diet, encourage them to take supplements.

Our in-home care providers can prepare calcium-rich meals and snacks for your loved one so they can get the nutrients they need. We can also remind your loved one to take supplements as needed.

Vitamin D

Another component vital to good bone health is vitamin D. This vitamin helps increase the intestine absorption of calcium and other important minerals. By getting proper amounts of vitamin D per day, your parent can reduce the risk of fall-related fractures up to 20 percent.

Other than getting vitamin D from sun exposure, it can also be absorbed through adequate nutrition and supplementation. Some foods rich in vitamin D include:

• Fish
• Cod liver oil
• Groceries specifically fortified with vitamin D such as margarine and yogurt

Exercise

Besides having a generally positive impact on our overall health, exercise helps build muscle tone, increases flexibility and coordination, and improves bone health, among many other health benefits. For this reason, your senior loved one should stay as physically active as much as they can. Our in-home care providers can help your loved one go to community centers, gyms and other places where they can get the exercise they need. They can also accompany them during their routine to provide a caring, meaningful presence.

Encourage your loved one to adopt a senior-friendly exercise regimen such as:

• Water aerobics
• Thai chi
• Walking
• Dancing
• Tennis

At Visiting Angels in Boulder County, we can provide your loved one with a personalized in-home care plan and help them improve their bone health.

Call our Longmont, CO office today to learn more.

Visiting Angels provides in-home care services for seniors in Allenspark, Boulder, Eldorado Springs, Erie, Hygiene, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, Lyons, Nederland, Niwot, Pinecliff, Ward and the surrounding areas of Boulder County, CO.