Page 11 - Seniors Today June2020

With osteoporosis bones become thinner What is osteopenia?
and brittle, and in severe cases even a minor Osteopenia is essentially lower bone density,
bump can cause a fracture (break or crack). where bones have lost some mass and
Any bone can be affected by osteoporosis, strength. In osteopenia the bone density
but the most common sites are the spine, hip, is between normal bone density and
wrist, ribs, pelvis and upper arm. osteoporosis. A woman with osteopenia has
Often, there are no signs or symptoms of a risk of broken bones that is higher than
osteoporosis until a fracture occurs. This is normal, but not as high as with the more
why osteoporosis is called the “silent thief”. severe effects of osteoporosis.
A loss in height or an increasing stoop may
be signs of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis in India
The Osteoporosis society of India estimated
the number of osteoporosis patients at
approximately 36 million in 2013.
The commonest fracture due to
osteoporosis is in the spine, affecting 60%
of women above 80 years. The second most
common osteoporosis fracture involves the
hip, affecting 25% of women above 80 years.
Besides normal ageing, poor lifestyle,
certain illnesses or hormonal ad nutritional
deficiencies can also cause osteoporosis.
A physiotherapist can provide assistance with bone strength- These risk factors help in identifying people
ening exercises and fall prevention by addressing posture,
balance, coordination and muscle strength. more likely to develop osteoporosis.

CAUSE EFFECT ON BONE HEALTH

Family history You are at increased risk of osteoporosis if you have a family
member with osteoporosis, especially a parent or sibling who
has had a hip fracture.

Physical inactivity Lack of physical activity reduces bone and muscle strength.

Calcium A lack of calcium in the diet weakens bones.

Vitamin D Low vitamin D, due to inadequate sunlight, can reduce the
body’s ability to absorb the calcium.

Low oestrogen A drop in oestrogen causes a loss in bone strength
late onset of menstrual periods
absent or infrequent menstrual periods
early menopause

SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #12 | JUNE 2020 11