Osteoporosis affects both men and women. One in five men will develop an osteoporotic fracture during their lifetime and 20% of people aged 60+ who fracture a hip will die within 6-12 months due to the secondary complications of osteoporosis, which are blood clots, pneumonia or infection from being bed bound. 50% of people aged 60+ who fracture a hip, will no longer be able to dress, wash or walk unassisted. Only 30% of people aged 60+ who fracture a hip will regain their independence.

Men, similar to women with symptomatic vertebral fractures, commonly complain of back pain, loss of height and kyphosis (hump on back), but men have significantly less energy, poorer sleep, more emotional problems and impaired mobility.

If you are worried about a senior loved one and their bone health, I would advise you to contact your GP and make an appointment for a bone scan. 

If you have any questions you would like answered please e-mail Noeleen Cronin on info@homeinstead.ie. Noleen is trained as a nurse and specialised in elder care before joining Home Instead Senior Care.

For further information on elder care issues and to keep up to date with Home Instead Senior Care news please click on the following link: http://www.homeinstead.ie/keep_in_touch.aspx.