Prevalence
of Osteoporosis
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), osteoporosis refers to loss of bone mineral density with a T score of less than or equal to -2.5 standard deviation. It is a progressive disease that weakens the bones and raises the risk of fractures. A study published in the International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics analysed the prevalence of osteoporosis in adults across different regions of India. The results revealed that 1 out of 5 adults have osteoporosis and that older adults (>60 years) had a higher prevalence compared to younger adults (<60 years). The development of fractures due to osteoporosis predisposes the elderly to a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Though osteoporosis is increasingly common in older adults, it necessarily doesn’t have to be a part of aging. The nursing service of Athulya Home Healthcare is aimed at supporting seniors with osteoporosis to manage their bone health and prevent further deterioration.
Development
of osteoporosis
Bones are living tissues designed with
minerals such as calcium and phosphate that keep them strong. Osteoporosis in
old adults arises due to the imbalance in the remodelling of bones. Resorption
of minerals from the bone and the building of new bone tissues is an ongoing
process in the body. When the rate of resorption overtakes production, bone
mineral density is reduced resulting in osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis may also arise due to the
following,
-
Family history of
osteoporosis
-
Increased oestrogen
production in women
-
Low body weight and
smaller body frame
-
Low calcium and vitamin
D levels
-
Deficiency of other essential
minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus
-
Unhealthy lifestyle
like alcohol intake or smoking tobacco
-
Physical inactivity
-
Long-term usage of
medications like steroids, anti-seizure medicines, and aluminium-containing
antacids
-
Certain medical conditions
like rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, anorexia nervosa, celiac disease,
stroke, and AIDS
-
Gastrointestinal
surgery that affects the absorption of nutrients
Symptoms
of osteoporosis
The common symptoms of osteoporosis observed in seniors include
-
Posture changes
-
Shortness of breath
-
Multiple fractures
-
Decreased body height
by 1 inch or more
-
Movement limitations
-
Poor balance
-
Lower back pain
- Spine malformations such as hunched or stooped back
Managing
osteoporosis
A combination of treatments is suggested
by healthcare providers to slow down bone loss and strengthen the existing bone
tissues.
●
Exercise:
For seniors with osteoporosis exercising
regularly can strengthen their bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Weight-bearing
exercises work directly on the muscles and improve their strength and
flexibility. Exercises like walking, yoga, tai-chi, and pilates that make the
body work against gravity enhance balance in seniors. We help seniors practice physiotherapy at home with our team of expert therapists who
develop tailored exercise regimens for them.
●
Medications:
Orthopaedics may prescribe medicines that
may work best for the elders. Hormone therapies like estrogen or testosterone
replacement and biphosphonates, denosumab, romosozumab, and parathyroid hormone
analogues are the commonly prescribed medicines. At Athulya Home Healthcare, home
doctor consultation services are available for seniors. Our orthopaedics
evaluate and keep track of their health with regular assessments and
follow-ups.
●
Supplements:
When the diet is insufficient in
essential minerals and vitamins, dietary supplements pose to be instrumental.
Vitamin D and calcium supplements are commonly prescribed. The dosages of these
supplements may differ between individuals and must be consumed as per the
expert’s advice.
The
critical role of nurses
Regular assessments, following treatment
plans, and preventing fractures are important pillars of osteoporosis
management.
Nurses play an essential role in the
identification of seniors with or at risk of fracture due to osteoporosis. Our
nurses perform fracture assessments to +identify the potential causative
factors of fractures and employ appropriate prevention strategies. Falls are
commonly reported in seniors with
osteoporosis. Our nursing assistants aid in the prevention of falls by
ensuring the surrounding is safe for seniors.
Educating seniors and their family
members is essential for effective management of osteoporosis. Nurses promote
the understanding of the condition and the treatment regimen suggested by
doctors.
Our skilled
nurses play crucial roles in alleviating pain and other adverse symptoms.
Posture correction and maintaining good body mechanics while performing
activities like lifting objects, sitting, bending, etc., help prevent the
impact of osteoporosis.
Nurses also help monitor adherence to
osteoporosis medications and treatment and coordinate with the doctors to
promote seniors’ health.
Bottom
line
Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease associated with an increased risk of fractures in elderly individuals. Nurses significantly contribute towards the effective management of osteoporosis. At Athulya Home Healthcare we encourage healthy aging by supporting seniors with the necessary care services. Exercising regularly, maintaining the right posture, consuming a balanced diet, adhering to medicines, and preventing fractures are some of the ways our skilled nurses and nursing assistants help seniors manage osteoporosis. To learn more about our home care services, visit our website Athulya Senior Care.
Information: This blog is for informational purposes
only and should not be considered as a substitute for any treatment or
diagnosis. Seek professional help in case of any emergency. Athulya is not
responsible for any consequences.
Related Links:
2.
https://www.athulyahomecare.com/blog/orthopedic-conditions-in-seniors/
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