May is National Osteoporosis Awareness Month, a great time to consider bone health in the elderly. Osteoporosis is one of the most prevalent conditions among elderly people, especially women, but with some proactive measures, its impact and even its prevalence can be limited.
In today’s blog post, we’ll look at what osteoporosis is exactly, warning signs and risk factors for the disease, consequences, how seniors can protect themselves, and how Haven Health in Arizona helps seniors with fall prevention and rehabilitation.
When it comes to osteoporosis, Haven Health is a proactive, trusted provider of senior care, focused on bone health, fall prevention, and rehabilitation support. For the best skilled nursing in Arizona, think Haven Health.
What Is Osteoporosis And Why Is It Common In Seniors?
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak, due to decreases in bone density that some people experience due to aging. This reduction in density means bones become brittle and are more susceptible to breakage, especially after falls.
Between one in 10 to one in 20 people over 50 have osteoporosis. This number is higher for women, with as many as three in 10 post-menopausal women having the condition.
It is so prevalent among seniors because of the natural aging process. As we age, bone density declines as the body struggles to remake bone that is naturally lost. Other factors can contribute as well, such as smoking and vitamin deficiencies.
Risk Factors For Osteoporosis
There are five main risk factors for osteoporosis, including:
- Age: Seniors over 50 are more likely to have the condition.
- Gender: Women are far more likely to experience osteoporosis.
- Nutrition: Those who have calcium and vitamin D deficiencies are at greater risk.
- Inactivity: Those with sedentary lifestyles are at risk.
- Medical conditions: Those with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or COPD, are at greater risk.
Osteoporosis is often called a “silent” disease, meaning many people don’t know if they have it. If you or your loved ones have any of these risk factors, you should have a bone density test done immediately.
How Osteoporosis Increases Risk Of Fractures And Impacts Quality Of Life
Because osteoporosis weakens bones, it makes breaking them much easier. Broken bones from falls are among the top reasons for seniors being hospitalized. Even small falls or stumbles that would have been no problem before can cause serious breakages in major bones, such as the hips or wrists.
Because seniors heal more slowly than younger people, these broken bones can limit mobility considerably. Recovery can be challenging and takes a considerable amount of time. Some seniors never fully recover. In the worst cases, fractures can lead to loss of independence and require professional long-term care.
How Seniors Can Protect Bone Health
During National Osteoporosis Awareness Month, the best way seniors can protect their bone health is to be proactive. Many people don’t even know if they have osteoporosis until they experience a fall or a broken bone. The test for osteoporosis is easy, painless, quick, and can be performed at many doctors’ offices or diagnostic centers.
Next, seniors should eat a balanced diet consisting of whole foods. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as milk products, spinach, and broccoli are great choices for all seniors. In addition, if indicated by a physician, calcium and vitamin D supplements may be a good choice as well.
Finally, one of the best things seniors can do to stave off osteoporosis is exercise. Weight-bearing and resistance exercise can help. This includes lifting weights and even walking and can help your body keep its bone production and density at maximum as we age.
How Haven Health Supports Seniors Through Fall Prevention, Rehabilitation, And Ongoing Care
At Haven Health, our rehabilitation and prophylactic programs are at the center of our organization.
The therapists and nutritionists available at Haven Health helps create effective exercise and diet regimens for our patients to both help them heal from falls and wounds and prevent them in the future.
Our fall prevention programs help residents identify falling risks and mitigate them, as well as develop strategies to avoid falls and improve balance.
Rehabilitation services also play an important role when a fall has occurred, and seniors are looking to get back on their feet.
During Osteoporosis Awareness Month, Contact Haven Health
For all things skilled nursing and memory care, think Haven Health. We are always happy to offer tours of our facilities, answer questions over the phone, and work with the health teams of you or your loved ones. Contact us today for peace of mind.
Sources:
Bellantoni, M. (2026). Osteoporosis information.
Ozmen, S., et al. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Osteoporosis: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Center.
Vera-Ponce, V., et al. (2025). Prevalence of Osteoporosis in Chronic Diseases: an Umbrella Review of 283 Observational Studies from 13 Systematic Reviews.