At Park Vista–North Hill, a premier assisted living facility in Moline, we have heard there is hope on the horizon for treating and managing osteoporosis. This disease can disable seniors if they fracture a bone after falling. There are even extreme cases where seniors have broken bones sneezing or bumping into furniture.
Until recently, our Moline assisted living facility knew only that osteoporosis was a condition in which bones become brittle and fragile from the loss of tissue. This was just considered part of aging. Now, new therapies are being developed that can increase the rate of new bone formation. However, these treatments have side effects, and we want you to be aware of them.
Who is at risk?
More than 50 million Americans over the age of 50 have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or have low bone mass. Sometimes called the “silent disease” because people are unaware they have it until they break a bone. Most seniors who have osteoporosis live in the constant fear that they will break a hip. The staff at our Moline assisted living community is very cognizant of falls. We know that only half the patients who fracture a hip will recover.
Osteoporosis is worse for women than for men, according to a top Moline assisted living facility. For women, the risk of osteoporosis developing is the same risk as breast cancer, uterine or cervical cancer. Women have smaller bone mass, making them more susceptible to the disease. Older women who are going through menopause also have a high risk of developing severe bone loss. Older men also have a greater chance of developing osteoporosis.
Race is another factor to consider. Caucasians, Asians, and Latinos are most at risk. Those with a family history also are at more significant risk of developing the disease. Another factor is steroid use; those who have used steroids over a long time are more likely to develop rapid bone loss.
Other habits and lifestyle choices can affect the likelihood as well. Things like smoking and drinking habitually can lead to a greater chance.
Preventing Osteoporosis
The outlook for osteoporosis sounds upsetting, but the staff at our assisted living facility in Moline wants you to know that the number one thing to focus on is learning how to prevent falls. Also, if you are a man or woman ages 60 or older, ask your doctor to perform a bone density test. Keep an eye on your diet and up that physical activity. Race, sex, and age are not in your control, but lifestyle choices are.
At Park Vista–North Hill, a premier senior retirement community in Moline, we’ll provide a comprehensive list of provided amenities when you tour the grounds. One thing is always a guarantee; you will experience a caring and nurturing environment that will make you feel like an essential part of our Moline community. All our campuses are pet friendly and offer a wide range of beauty salons and barber services to ease your stress. There is even a happy hour at almost every location! Our Park Vista locations offer many options for independent living, assisted living, respite care, and memory care in Moline.