Belmont Village Quarterly Newsletter
on Senior Living

An Ounce of Prevention

May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, which is the perfect time to explore one of the physical changes that commonly occur with aging: loss of bone density and mass. It’s important to be aware of what can happen as a result of this change, since it is estimated that one-in-two women and one-in-eight men age 50 and older will suffer a fracture during his or her lifetime.

From a physical standpoint, exercise and muscle strengthening are always recommended as a method to keep our bodies healthier longer. Additionally, regular exercise is a way to renew energy, which helps us to feel younger. Walking and other light exercise improve circulation and keep the endorphins – those “feel-good hormones” – cruising through the blood stream. If possible, join your aging loved one regularly for a walk outside or even down the hall—in an exercise facility, or in a shopping mall--you’ll both benefit!

Since fractures from falls are a leading cause of disability among people over age 65, consider the following tips when it comes to protecting your elder from falls and injuries.

• Be careful to wipe up spills or wet places on the floor.
• Recommend a physical-therapy evaluation to assess your loved one’s gait and the potential need for assistive devices such as canes or walkers. (A walker can help to prevent both forward and sideways falls onto the hip.)
• Place night-lights in hallways, bathrooms and bedrooms. Make sure stairs are well lit.
• Avoid throw rugs.
• When rising from a reclining position to a sitting or standing position, older adults should pause to make sure his or her equilibrium is okay before taking off.
• Make sure your elder is aware of the location and use of emergency-response devices and that they have access to the appropriate option for their needs. For example, at Belmont Village, options range from push buttons and pull cords to emergency pendants, bed mats and floor mats, which are usually used in combination. 

Often the only physical symptoms to indicate that a person’s skeletal structure is deteriorating are loss of height and kyphosis (a curvature of the spine, causing stooped posture, back pain and stiffness of the spine). When you notice that your loved one’s height is deteriorating, it’s time to contact a doctor. Painless bone densitometry tests can help determine if your elder is at risk for, or already has, low bone density, which may eventually deteriorate into osteoporosis if not treated. Don’t worry about sharing your observations and concerns--it’s far better to over-communicate with doctors and caregivers when it comes to the health of your aging loved one.

For more information about Belmont Village Center for Life Enhancement on-site fitness centers and the therapy services available at our communities, please visit www.belmontvillage.com or contact a community near you.

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