Nestled between Tampa and Sarasota, Sun City Center is an ideal spot for a fulfilling Florida retirement. Yet, even in this sunny idyll, seniors need to face the challenge of osteoporosis.
Many of us probably think of osteoporosis as a female health issue. However, according to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis in men is a serious problem. Around 2 million American men already have it, and a further 12 million are at risk of developing it.
It's true that more women than men are diagnosed with osteoporosis. Yet, men also face the risk of fractures, mobility problems, and long-term complications from issues relating to aging and bone loss.
In this article, we will explore men's bone health in more detail. We will look at what older adults can do to manage osteoporosis and how a healthy lifestyle for seniors can reduce the risks.
Strong bones are essential at all ages for remaining active and independent. Sadly, men's bone health is sometimes overlooked in routine checkups and health conversations as we get older. The focus on female osteoporosis and its well-known link with menopause may be part of the reason it is not considered as important for men.
While women tend to lose bone density rapidly at this point in their lives, men tend to lose bone mass more gradually. The slow development of the disease may mean osteoporosis in men goes undiagnosed until a serious injury happens. The same report from the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation states that 1 in 4 men aged 50 and over will break a bone at some point due to osteoporosis.
Therefore, it is crucial that men take bone health seriously as they get older. This can help them maintain their quality of life and prevent other age-related problems.
Aging takes its toll on every system in the body, and the bones are no exception. And the deterioration begins at a surprisingly young age.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, most of us reach peak bone mass between 25 and 30. But from the age of 40, we gradually lose bone mass. The good news is that there are steps we can all take to slow the process down.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases highlights the following risk factors that negatively affect men's bone health:
The other factor highlighted that none of us can change is being aged 70 or over. But what signs can you look out for that could indicate you're suffering from osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is known as a "silent disease," because you have no idea it's developing until something goes wrong. However, there are some warning signs older men should look out for:
If you get any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Don't let a broken bone be the first sign you have osteoporosis.
Early screening, such as a bone mineral density (BMD) test, can help doctors detect the condition and provide tailored advice. Regular checkups and lifestyle changes are the two most important components of osteoporosis prevention.
Doctors may prescribe medications that can help your bones stay as healthy as possible. However, there are many natural things you can do to give your bones a helping hand.
Many older men prefer to look for natural ways and lifestyle changes that support men's bone health without relying solely on medication. Fortunately, there are several effective things we can all do to keep our bones in the best shape possible.
From childhood on, we have been taught that calcium is essential for strong bones. Even in our golden years, it is vital to get enough calcium from our diets or from supplements.
Good sources of calcium include:
The varied and nutritious foods available in retirement communities can help older men get the calcium they need in the most delicious way possible!
Increasing our calcium intake is good, but we also need to up our vitamin D levels so we can absorb it effectively. Vitamin D is not as easy to get from our diet as calcium. However, the following foods can help:
Many foods, including breakfast cereals, orange juice, and dairy products, are fortified with vitamin D. You can also talk to your doctor about whether a supplement will help.
Sunlight is also crucial in helping our bodies to make vitamin D. Getting outdoors also has the added boost of promoting serotonin, which helps us stay happy and healthy.
Much like our muscles, our bones also benefit from exercise. The best forms for senior men wellness are likely to be weight-bearing and resistance exercises. These include:
A regular routine of exercise can be hard to achieve on your own. But senior living communities help seniors exercise together, motivating each other and having a lot of fun at the same time.
As we have seen, smoking and excessive drinking can have a negative impact on men's bone health. It may be challenging to change ingrained behaviors, but with support, you can do it.
Seek support to quit smoking and reduce your drinking if your current levels are too high.
Osteoporosis in men is a major health challenge, but early screening and lifestyle changes can make a big difference to the long-term prognosis. It's wise for all men to get their bone density checked out as they get older. This can help prevent fractures that can result in long-term complications.
At Aston Gardens at Sun City Center, our independent living community makes staying active a breeze. This can help your bone health, general well-being, and enjoyment in life skyrocket!
Do not delay - schedule a tour today!