Osteoporosis and Falls

May is National Osteoporosis Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of bone health. Did you know that osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures, particularly in older adults?

Falls are a major cause of these fractures, but there are steps you can take to prevent them. Think about:

• Regular exercise
• A balanced diet
• Safety modifications in the home/residence
• Automate Lighting

These items can all help reduce the risk of falls and fractures. Let's prioritize bone health and fall prevention this month and beyond!

Osteoporosis is characterized by weak and fragile bones that are prone to fracture. It is a significant health concern among older adults, particularly women, and is a leading cause of falls and fractures. The correlation between osteoporosis and falls is well-established, and it is essential to have strong bones to withstand injury if a fall does occur. We held a webinar with Dr. Silvia Hugec, Medical Director at Home Doctor For You, who outlined the importance of strengthening. Check out the full webinar here.

Osteoporosis is a condition that results from the loss of bone mass and density over time. This loss of bone strength leads to bones that are weak and prone to fracture. As a result, individuals with osteoporosis are at an increased risk of falls and fractures, particularly in the hips, spine, and wrists. Falls are a significant concern for older adults with osteoporosis, as even a minor fall can lead to a fracture.

The relationship between osteoporosis and falls is complex. As bones become weaker, they are more likely to break in response to a fall. Additionally, osteoporosis can lead to changes in posture and balance, making falls more likely to occur. For example, individuals with osteoporosis may develop a hunched posture that can increase the risk of tripping and falling. They may also experience changes in their gait, making it more difficult to maintain balance and stability.

So how does one decrease risk of osteoporosis and therefore falls as we age?

The National Institute of Health has these suggestions:

1. Eat foods that support bone health
2. Be active and get exercise
3. Limit alcohol use
4. No smoking

Learn more about changes you can make to decrease the risk of falls. 

Falls in the senior community are far too common, costly, and preventable. Senior care fall strategies shouldn’t be reactive - they should be proactive. Just imagine if you could monitor, track, and address patient needs BEFORE a fall happens. This type of fall prevention initiative is available with Source of Life Technologies - Mat of Life - your modern fall prevention solution. You can learn more about Mat of Life here.