Falls & Osteoporosis

Falls at any age can cause injury, but for elderly individuals, these injuries can be serious and even lif- threatening. Individuals particularly at risk are those with osteoporosis, a condition of weakened and brittle bones. For individuals with osteoporosis, preventing falls becomes an essential part of their healthcare regimen.

About Osteoporosis

• Osteoporsis is caused by the loss of calcium.

  Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeletal system. It causes bones to become more fragile and likely to break. An estimated 10 million people in the U.S. have osteoporosis, and another 34 million have the early stages of the disease. Osteoporosis can be treated although preventing the disease is best.

Causes of Osteoporsis

• Older people's bodies are adding less and less calcium to their bones.

  Bones are composed for calcium and protein, two nutrients that provide strength. In human bodies, bone is constantly forming and reforming as calcium is absorbed by the body and added to its bones while old bone cells are removed. In younger people--about up to the age of 30--more bone is added than removed, which means a continual strengthening. Slowly, less and less calcium is added, leading to weaker and brittle bones.

The Dangers of Falling

• Osteoporsis can lead to broken bones, especially the hips, from falling.

  Because of these weakening bones, falls can pose certain dangers because the weak, brittle bones of osteoporosis can't absorb the shock of the fall. Breaks of the hip, pelvis, spine and wrist are most common. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 90 percent of hip fractures are related to osteoporosis. After a hip fracture, long-term care is often required, even if the person was able to live independently before the fall. The likelihood of dying within one year is increased by up to 20 percent.

Preventing and Treating Osteoporsis

• Weight-bearing exercises can help prevent osteoporosis.

  Preventing and treating osteoporosis require similar tactics. Increasing calcium intake will provide the body with more of the nutrient to absorb. Exercise, especially weight-bearing activities, strengthens bones and muscles. Smoking also can lead to osteoporosis as it makes early menopause more likely in women.

Preventing Falls

• Install nightlights to improve visibility in poorly lit areas.

  Unfortunately, osteoporosis has no symptoms until a fall causes a break. Bone density tests can indicate the strength of bones and whether osteoporosis is imminent. The elderly and especially those with osteoporosis should use caution to prevent falls. Keeping alert is an important preventative measure as most break-causing falls occur in the afternoon and evening when individuals are more likely to be tired. Make sure that the home and living environment is well lit, especially at night. Use nightlights to help guide paths needed during the night. Use caution in slippery areas, especially bathrooms and showers. Grab bars and non-skid strips can be installed to help in these areas. Wearing shoes with rubber shoes can also help to grip surfaces.