{"id":4876,"date":"2023-11-02T08:06:52","date_gmt":"2023-11-02T15:06:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/?p=4876"},"modified":"2023-11-02T08:08:28","modified_gmt":"2023-11-02T15:08:28","slug":"coping-with-osteoporosis-a-guide-for-aging-adults-caregivers-and-loved-ones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/coping-with-osteoporosis-a-guide-for-aging-adults-caregivers-and-loved-ones\/","title":{"rendered":"Coping with Osteoporosis: A Guide for Aging Adults, Caregivers, and Loved Ones\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
Highlights<\/strong>
\u2022 Over 10 million people in the U.S. are currently live with osteoporosis. \u00a0
\u2022 An aging loved one with osteoporosis may experience mental and physical changes. Being prepared for these can help them enjoy the quality of life they deserve.\u00a0
\u2022 Taking supplements, getting regular exercise, and eating a nutritious diet are excellent strategies for managing osteoporosis.\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

If you or an aging loved one has recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis, it’s natural to feel concerned and uncertain about the future.  <\/p>

Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that affects the overall health of our bones, and can be challenging to navigate.  <\/p>

The body’s ability to produce bone tissue diminishes over time, leading to weakened and low bone density, making fractures more likely. <\/p>

It’s important to know that you are not alone in facing this condition. Osteoporosis is more common than you might think.  <\/p>

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion<\/a> says that over 10 million individuals aged 50 and above in the United States are currently living with osteoporosis.  <\/p>

Additionally, approximately 43 million people have low bone mass, which puts them at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.  <\/p>

In this article, we will explore practical approaches to managing osteoporosis, allowing you to navigate its challenges while maintaining an optimistic outlook. <\/p>

How Osteoporosis Affects Aging Adults <\/h2>

If you have a family member who is living with osteoporosis, you may be wondering what you can do to make their lives easier and help them navigate challenges like:.  <\/p>

Impaired physical abilities <\/h3>

There is a chance that your aging loved one with osteoporosis may be more prone to bone fractures. This is because the condition causes weakened bones that could break from a fall. <\/p>

Osteoporosis may also cause physical pain, meaning an aging loved one might not be as mobile as they were before.  <\/p>

This means they may not be able to engage in certain activities like walking long distances or getting up from a chair without assistance. <\/p>

They might need extra help<\/a> doing things they would usually do themselves. <\/p>

Decreased mental and emotional health <\/h3>

An aging adult with osteoporosis might experience chronic pain, further affecting their ability to move around freely.  <\/p>

They may also become scared of falling as fractures tend to be more common with this condition. <\/p>

As you can imagine, this can lead to anxiety and depression, which can make it difficult for your aging loved one to cope mentally.  <\/p>

Their physical discomfort and potential loss of independence<\/a> may cause feelings of sadness and helplessness, leading to reduced quality of life. <\/p>

Relationship difficulties <\/h3>

You may notice that an aging loved one\u2019s connections with those around them start to change. This is because having osteoporosis can affect relationships, especially intimate ones<\/a>.  <\/p>

Because they may fear fractures, they may not want to be intimate with their partners, which may pose challenges in their relationships. <\/p>

Pain and discomfort may also make your loved one with osteoporosis unwilling to participate in social activities, potentially leading to them feeling isolated. <\/p>

Coping Strategies for Aging Adults with Osteoporosis <\/h2>

We understand that you may have concerns if you\u2019ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis.  <\/p>

The good news is that there are many practical steps you can take to not only cope with the condition but to live a more healthy and enjoyable life. <\/p>

Go for a bone density test <\/h3>

The first step to take if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis is to have a healthcare provider do a bone density test. <\/p>

This quick and painless test can help determine your level of bone loss and how much the condition is affecting new bone formation. <\/p>

Once your healthcare provider determines your bone mineral density, they can give you the best advice for maintaining healthy bones. <\/p>

Try supplementation <\/h3>

Your doctor may recommend that you start taking supplements if you have a lower bone density.  <\/p>

The main supplements people with osteoporosis need to take are magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D. <\/p>

Calcium supplements are essential for osteoporosis because they help reduce bone loss and increase bone mass.  <\/p>

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium properly, so it\u2019s important to include this nutrient in the supplements you take. <\/p>

Eat a bone-healthy diet <\/h3>

According to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation<\/a> (BHOF), certain dietary changes can improve and support bone health. They can also make you feel better overall. <\/p>

Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of dairy, fatty fish, fruits, and vegetables will ensure you get all the nutrients you need to have healthy bones. <\/p>

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Some excellent food choices for bone health, according to the BHOF, include: <\/p>