Home Instead Senior Care launches new guide on Osteoporosis and Fall Prevention

11/01/2010 15:18:50

90% of seniors say their greatest fear is loss of independence and a further 74% of seniors 65 and older say that staying physically active is a major challenge, according to new research from Home Instead Senior Care, Ireland's trusted source of home care for seniors. This lack of activity can lead to a downward spiral of health resulting in frailty and broken bones with many seniors severely injured or too weak to perform the basic daily activities they need to maintain their independence. 

Poor bone health is a huge scourge to Ireland's seniors - according to the Irish Osteoporosis Society 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men over age 50 will fracture a bone as a result of Osteoporosis. Many people do not even know they are suffering from Osteoporosis until a bone has been broken - it is estimated that only 15% of people with Osteoporosis are actually diagnosed.

To help promote bone health among Ireland's seniors, Home Instead Senior Care has launched a new information guide, "Beat the Break: A Guide to Osteoporosis and Fall Prevention". The guide explains everything seniors need to know about Osteoporosis- what it is, how it can be prevented and how it can be treated. It also focuses on fall prevention as those with Osteoporosis are more susceptible to breaking a bone from a slip or fall.

A hip fracture is one of the most common injuries suffered by seniors who slip or fall- a staggering 90% of hip fractures in seniors are due to Osteoporosis and only 30% of those over 60 who fracture their hip regain their independence. A further 20% of those over 60 who fracture their hip will pass away within 6 - 12 months due to secondary complications and half will not be able to wash, bath or walk across a room unaided. They will become dependent on family or friends to take care of them or will go into a nursing home.

The good news is no one is too young or old to improve their bone health and there are a number of steps people can take to prevent Osteoporosis and avoid falls:
• Healthy eating - Ensure your diet is rich in calcium and vitamin D as these nutrients help improve bone strength. Calcium is best absorbed from dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt and oily fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines are all excellent sources of vitamin D.
• Appropriate exercise - Resistance training using weights promotes bone health by increasing muscle strength and bone density. However, a person should be assessed by a medical professional to ensure they are doing appropriate exercises.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking - Excess consumption of alcohol can increase the risk of fracture and can affect bone loss. Women should limit their alcohol intake to 14 units per week and men to 21 units per week. The toxins in cigarettes also negatively affect bone health and should be avoided.
• Remove home hazards - At least one-third of all falls suffered by the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home so it is important to reduce clutter in the home, especially in walk areas such as hallways.
• Light up your living space - Ensure your home is brightly lit and place night lights in your bedroom, bathroom and hallway so you can see clearly. 
• Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor - Poor vision can increase your chance of falling. An eye doctor will ensure you are wearing the correct lenses or check if you have a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts that limits vision.

"A healthy lifestyle and a safe, hazard-free home is vital to healthy ageing and will help Ireland's seniors maintain their independence. There are many older people who are literally trapped in the home because they are too weak to perform many of the activities they need to remain independent, or even enjoy life. It is so important seniors do what they can to 'beat the break' and maintain healthy bones", advises Ed Murphy, Chief Executive of Home Instead Senior Care. 

Also speaking about bone health, Michele O'Brien of the Irish Osteoporosis Society said: "Osteoporosis is a preventable and treatable disease- there have been 90 year olds who have improved their bone health after receiving treatment and I encourage people of all ages to make bone health a priority. Our skeleton is for life and needs to be cared for so a healthy lifestyle really is essential to avoid frailty and Osteoporosis". 

Download your free copy of Beat the Break here - Beat_The_Break.pdf