Risks of Osteoporosis and Bone Fractures in Older Women

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures, especially in postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because of the lack of any symptoms. You are diagnosed only when you experience a fracture. The disease can cause low-trauma bone fractures in older women, most commonly in the hip, spine and wrist. 

Osteoporosis can affect both men and women, but did you know that women are more susceptible to this condition than men? This blog will discuss what are the risk factors, causes, and treatment of osteoporosis in elderly women.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis means porous bone. It is a degenerative bone disease in which the bone loses density and becomes thinner. Bone needs density and strength to support body weight and to absorb any impact. However, as you age, your bone loses density and becomes fragile. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent osteoporosis in elderly females by maintaining bone density and protecting fractures. 

What Causes Osteoporosis in Elderly Women?

Bones are living tissue in our body that keeps replacing their cells throughout life. Till the age of 30 years, bones naturally replace the old broken bone cells with new bone cells. However, as you age, the bone breakdown becomes faster than the replacement, causing a loss of bone mass. The two primary reasons that cause osteoporosis in women are; 

1. Smaller and less dense bones in females than males make them more prone to osteoporosis. 
2. A drop in oestrogen levels after menopause also causes osteoporosis because oestrogen hormone is responsible for protecting the bones. 

What are the Risk Factors of Osteoporosis?

Many factors contribute to an individual's development of osteoporosis. The following people are at risk of developing osteoporosis:

1. Anyone above the age of 50 years is at the risk of osteoporosis.
2. Women are more prone to osteoporosis compared to men.
3. People with a family history of osteoporosis are susceptible to the condition.
4. People with a more diminutive stature naturally have less bone mass and are more at risk.
5. People with reduced testosterone or oestrogen levels.
6. People with endocrine disorders such as thyroid disease or diabetes.
7. People with gastrointestinal diseases, autoimmune diseases or blood disorders.
8. People taking certain types of medication such as steroids, anticoagulants, medicine for cancer, gastric reflux, seizures, etc.
9. People with poor lifestyle habits and dietary choices such as low intake of calcium, not working out and consuming alcohol or tobacco.

Since osteoporosis has no symptoms, you should get a bone density test if you have any of the above risk factors. A bone density test or a DEXA scan is an imaging test that tests the strength of the bone by measuring the amount of calcium and minerals present in the bone.

What is the Treatment for Osteoporosis in Elderly Women?

The treatment for osteoporosis involves the prevention of geriatric fractures and slowing down bone loss in different ways.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is essential to strengthening bones and muscles so that you can maintain balance and reduce the risk of falling. Weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, and climbing strengthen the bones in your hip, spine, and legs. You should consult a trained physical therapist who can suggest exercises that are right for you.

Maintain Your Vitamin and Mineral Levels

Consult your doctor to determine your vitamin and mineral requirements and maintain them using a healthy diet and supplements. Vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and proteins are necessary for overall bone health.

Quit Smoking and Drinking

Smoking and drinking reduces your bone density and leads to bone loss. It also slows down the healing process in case there is a fracture.

Osteoporosis Medication

The doctor may advise medication in severe cases according to your medical history. It includes hormone therapy using replacement estrogen and parathyroid hormone analogues given as injections.

Complications of Broken Bones in the Elderly

Broken bones affect an older adult differently compared to a young individual. This is because healing is slower in old age and can take a much longer time, affecting the daily life and activities of an elderly individual. When a senior is not able to walk or perform routine activities due to a broken bone, they become dependent and may end up in long-term care. This immobility may also lead to other health concerns, such as mental stress, cardiac issues, and frequent infections.

What Types of Forces Most Commonly Cause Fracture?

A fracture happens when bone tissue is subject to a force greater than its strength. These forces may be tensile, sheer or compressive. As you age, the type of fracture and its incidence changes. Even a mild force or trauma can cause a fracture due to brittle bones in older people.

What is the Most Common Fracture in the Elderly?

The most common fractures in elderly people are fractures in vertebrae, shoulder, wrist, hip, and knee joints. Hip fractures are the most common type of fracture. Even a fall after a slip can cause a hip fracture due to compression.

Conclusion

You can not prevent bone aging, but you can prevent osteoporosis. Embrace a healthy and active lifestyle from a young age to maintain good bone health and body weight. Eat well, maintain your calcium and vitamin D levels, and exercise regularly to prevent osteoporosis in old age. 

Invest in a comprehensive health insurance policy from a young age. This policy should cover preventive checkups and provide wellness benefits to help you monitor your health and stay motivated to stay fit and active. If you don't have a health insurance plan yet, contact Care Health Insurance to get coverage and enjoy cashless services at their network of 24800+ healthcare providers. 

>> Also Read: How Can I Increase My Bone Density?

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.