Osteoporosis increases the risk of serious bone fractures in seniors receiving in-home care in KW. Understanding the causes of this condition is an important part of making sure they prevent the condition or get the treatment they need. Waterloo live-in care professionals discuss a few of these common causes.
1. Age
Seniors have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis as they get older. The aging process causes the body to create new bone mass at a slower pace than bone loss occurs, which results in bones that are weak and fragile. Seniors who built up a higher bone mass when they were younger are less likely to get osteoporosis than those with a lower bone mass.
2. Underlying Medical Conditions
Seniors with certain underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. These conditions include kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, and multiple myeloma. Seniors with celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus also have an increased risk of osteoporosis, and those who have one or more of these conditions should have their bone mass checked regularly.
3. Medications
Medications used for treating or managing seizures, cancer, and gastric reflux have been linked to a higher risk of osteoporosis. Seniors who take prednisone or other anti-inflammatory corticosteroids for a long period also have a higher risk of developing the condition. These steroids affect the body’s ability to rebuild bone on a regular basis, which leaves the bones in a weakened and brittle condition.
4. Hormonal Issues
Having lower amounts of estrogen, which typically occurs in women during menopause, has been associated with bone loss. Older men with lower testosterone levels are also at risk of having brittle bones. Problems with thyroid or adrenal hormones can also increase a senior’s risk of getting osteoporosis.
To learn more about the causes of osteoporosis and how your senior loved one can prevent it, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our caregivers can assist with physical activity, cook healthy meals and snacks, and help with many other important daily tasks. For more information on the home care Waterloo, ON, seniors and their families rely on, call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers at (519) 954-2111 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.