Living with Osteoporosis: How Conservatory At Keller Town Center Supports Bone Health
A staggering 10 million people aged 50 or older in the U.S. have osteoporosis, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Living with osteoporosis can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. You can find osteoporosis support in senior living communities.
Conservatory at Keller Town Center is an upscale independent living community with amenities designed for seniors like you. Learn more about how Conservatory at Keller Town Center can support you and your bone health.
Support Bone Health with Nutrition
Nutrition plays a key role in managing osteoporosis. The Sensations Dining program at Conservatory at Keller Town Center ensures you have a range of delicious and healthy options every day. We offer all-day dining, so you can enjoy chef-prepared meals that fit your schedule.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Getting enough calcium and vitamin D is an important factor for bone strength for older adults. Calcium-rich foods include:
- Dairy products like milk and yogurt
- Plant-based milk and orange juice fortified with calcium
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Salmon
- Tofu
- Leafy green vegetables
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. You can get vitamin D from fortified foods. Exposure to sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, but this gets harder as people age.
Your healthcare provider may recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Foods to Avoid
You can protect your bones by avoiding foods that are high in phosphorus. Phosphorus can speed up bone loss. Red meat and soft drinks are high in phosphorus. Some foods have phosphate additives as well.
Finally, limit your alcohol and caffeine intake. They make it harder for your body to absorb calcium.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise promotes bone strength for older adults. It helps strengthen your bones as well as your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Exercise improves balance and coordination, which reduces the risk of falls.
Conservatory at Keller Town Square features a fitness center designed with seniors in mind. You'll enjoy health-club-quality equipment and classes like yoga, dance, and water aerobics.
Talk to your healthcare provider about which exercises will be safe for you. They may recommend that you consult a physical therapist or personal trainer with experience in osteoporosis care. This will help you get the most from exercising while lowering the risk of injury.
Weight-Bearing Exercise
Weight-bearing exercise is especially beneficial for senior bone health. Weight-bearing exercise makes your body work against gravity. Options include:
- Walking
- Low-impact aerobics
- Dancing
- Elliptical training machines
- Climbing stairs
Try to get 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercise most days of the week.
Strength Training
Strength training builds muscle and strengthens your tendons and bones. It develops the muscles you use to keep good posture. You can use your own body weight or equipment like:
- Resistance bands
- Free weights
- Weight machines
Try to incorporate strength training into your exercise routine two or three times a week.
Flexibility, Stability, and Balance
Improving your flexibility, stability, and balance reduces your risk of falling. Tai chi, yoga, and Pilates can help with these dimensions of fitness. Be sure to talk to your doctor or physical therapist, though, because some of the specific movements may not be a good option for people with osteoporosis.
You can also do balance exercises on your own. Standing on one leg is one example. For an additional challenge, stand on a pillow or other unstable surface.
Medication for Osteoporosis
Medication can help slow bone loss or even help bone to regrow. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a growing list of drugs to treat osteoporosis.
Bisphosphonates are some of the most common drugs prescribed for people living with osteoporosis. They help prevent bone loss. Your doctor may prescribe a pill or an intravenous (IV) infusion.
Denosumab is an option for people who can't take bisphosphonates. It's delivered by injection.
If you have very low bone density or have had a fracture, you may need medication that promotes bone growth. These drugs are taken by injection.
Hormone replacement therapy can protect bones and prevent fractures in postmenopausal women. However, it may increase the risk of:
- Stroke
- Breast cancer
- Blood clots
Doctors generally reserve hormonal therapy for patients at high risk of a bone fracture who can't take other osteoporosis medications.
Conservatory at Keller Town Center is located less than a quarter of a mile from medical offices and pharmacies. You can easily visit your doctor and pick up your prescriptions. Our 24-hour concierge can help with ordering your medications as well.
Fall Prevention
Falling at home is a risk for all seniors, but it's especially dangerous for those with osteoporosis. Aging safely means being more mindful of possible trip hazards.
Fall prevention involves medical and physical assessments. Your doctor may check your sight and hearing. They may evaluate your walking gait as well.
Simple changes, like wearing rubber-soled shoes, can reduce the risk of falling.
Apartments at Conservatory at Keller Town Center include safety features like bathroom grab bars and raised toilet seats. You can make your apartment safer by following guidelines such as:
- Keeping walkways and hallways clear
- Having enough light in your apartment, even in the evening
- Moving electrical cords out of the way
- Avoiding the use of area rugs
Store items you use often within easy reach. Never stand on a chair or table to reach items that are too high. Use a sturdy step stool and have a friend stand next to you.
The staff at Conservatory at Keller Town Center is dedicated to your wellness in independent living, so you live confidently and safely.
Living with Osteoporosis More Confidently
You can maintain your quality of life while living with osteoporosis. Good nutrition and exercise are the foundation of senior bone health. Your health care provider may prescribe medication as well.
Conservatory at Keller Town Center is an independent-living community designed with your health and safety in mind. You'll enjoy gourmet dining, a fitness center, and 24-hour concierge service. Our location gives you convenient access to medical offices, pharmacies, the library, and the senior center.
Schedule a tour of Conservatory at Keller Town Center to discover what our beautiful community has to offer. We're here to support you on your bone health journey.