Help Your Parents Keep Their Bones Strong As They Age

Home Care in Wilmington DE: Strong Bones

Home Care: The number of Americans over the age of 64 with low bone mineral density was around 47.5% in 2018.

Osteoporosis is estimated to affect about 12% of adults aged 50 or older. Both of these conditions impact your parents' safety.

If your mom or dad has low bone mineral density and falls, the odds of fracturing a bone are high. This could lead to issues with mobility, the need for surgery, and prolonged healing times at home. Help them keep their bones strong as they age to heighten their safety.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A diet that is high in vegetables and fiber, low in saturated fat and sugar, and has plenty of protein and calcium is essential. Vegetables and fruit are helpful because they're high in vitamin C, which aids bone-forming cells. Some vegetables, such as broccoli, also contain calcium.

The other benefit of a healthy diet is that protein helps with muscle health. If the muscles weaken, it can impact balance and stamina. That can increase the risk of a fall, which can damage bones.

Look for foods that contain plenty of calcium, too. If your parents like cottage cheese and yogurt, both are high in calcium. Fortified juices and cereals are also important additions to the diet.

Spend Time Outside

Vitamin D is just as important as calcium for bone health. Spending time outside in the sun boosts vitamin D. Your mom and dad should also ask their doctor about a vitamin D supplement if there are concerns they don't get enough vitamin D. A quick blood test can check their levels.

See a Doctor

Take your mom and dad to their doctor each year. When it's time for a bone mineral density screening, make sure they get that done. They need to have their bones checked to catch signs of osteoporosis as early as possible.

Get Plenty of Exercise In

Maintain bone health by regularly exercising. Strength training exercises are helpful, and so are aerobic, high-impact activities like Zumba. Plus, exercise helps with balance and endurance, which can help prevent your mom and dad from tiring out and risking a fall.

If your parents are diagnosed with low bone density or osteoporosis, ensure they're supported at home. They need to lower the risk of a fall while building bone strength. To do this, a caregiver can help them with challenging home chores like laundry and changing sheets on the bed.

Home care aides can also help your parents plan meals that offer the balanced nutrition they require. If your parents need help shopping for calcium-rich foods that improve bone strength, their home care aides can help out. Call to learn more about prices and services.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering hiring Home Health Care in Greenville, DE, please contact the caring staff at Macklyn Home Care today. (302) 691-3217

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db405.htm#section_2