Regular Post

Written by webtechs

24 March 2023

Causes of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis happens when excessive bone mass is gone, and changes happens in the structure of bone tissue itself. Specific risk factors can lead to the advancement of osteoporosis or could increase the possibility that you are going develop the disease.

A lot of people with osteoporosis have many risk factors, but others that develop the disease might not have any particular risk factors. There are some risk factors that can’t be changed by you, and others that you might be able to change. Nevertheless, by understanding these factors, you might be able to prevent the disease and fractures.

What Causes Osteoporosis?

Factors that might increase your risk for osteoporosis comprise of:

Gender. Your likelihood of developing osteoporosis is greater when you’re a woman. They have lesser peak bone mass and smaller bones than men do. Nevertheless, men are still vulnerable, especially following the age of seventy.
Age. As you get older, bone loss occurs more quickly, and newer bone growth is more prolonged. After a while, your bones can get weak and your risk for developing the disease is increased.
Body size. Slim, thin-boned men and women are at a greater risk to develop the disease since they have less bone to lose in comparison to large boned men and women.
Race. Caucasian and women of Asian descent are at an increased risk. Mexican American and African American women are at a lower risk. Caucasian men are at an increased risk than their Mexican American and African American counter parts.
Family history. Research shows that your chance for osteoporosis and bone fractures may increase should one of your parents have a history of osteoporosis or bone fractures.

Changes to hormones. Low levels of specific hormones can increase chances of developing the disease. For instance:
- Low estrogen levels in women following menopause.
- Low levels of estrogen from the atypical lack of menstrual cycles in pre-menopausal women because of hormone disorders or extreme degrees of physical activity.
- Lower levels of testosterone in men. Men with complications that induce low testosterone are at risk for developing the disease. On the other hand, the progressive decrease of testosterone with getting older is most likely not a significant reason for loss of bone.

Diet. Starting in childhood and into advanced years, a diet low in vitamin D and calcium can increase your chance for osteoporosis and bone fractures. Undue dieting or insufficient protein intake could increase your chances for bone loss and osteoporosis.

Other health concerns. Many other health concerns that you might be able to treat or handle can increase the risk of osteoporosis, like other hormonal and endocrine diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, gastrointestinal diseases, certain types of cancers, AIDS/HIV, and bulimia.
Medications. Long term use of some types of medications might make you more potential to osteoporosis develop and bone loss, like:
- Adrenocorticotropic and hormone Glucocorticoids, in which treat differing conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis and/or asthma.
- Anti-epileptic medicines, in which treat seizures and other neurological ailments.
- Cancer medications, in which use hormones to treat prostate and breast cancer.
- Proton pump inhibitors, in which lowers stomach acid.
- Discerning serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, in which treats anxiety and depression.
- Thiazolidinediones, in which treats type 2 diabetes.

Way of life. A healthy way of life can be vital for keeping bones strong. Factors that lead to bone loss comprise of:
- Decreased levels of physical activity and lengthy periods of inactivity can lead to an increased degree of bone loss. They also leave you in improper physical condition, which can increase your chance of falling and breaking a bone(s).
- Heavy drinking of alcoholic beverages is a considerable risk factor for osteoporosis.
- Reports show that smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis and bone fractures. Researchers are still evaluating if the effect of smoking on bone health is from tobacco use by itself or if people that smoke have more potential of developing osteoporosis.

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Sedona Winds Retirement Community offers independent living in Sedona, Arizona, can help! Call us today at (928) 496-6547 and learn more about our facility and what we have to offer today’s seniors.

Osteoporosis, Senior Health Issues

Regular Post

Written by Brian B

12 August 2020

Physical Games For Seniors

With dozens of activities available at independent and assisted living facilities, we’ve compiled a list of the best physical games for seniors. Whether the goal is to exercise, socialize or stimulate the mind, these four games are perfect for today’s active senior citizens.

Bocce Ball

Bocce Ball’s history goes back further than one would ever guess. The sport’s first reference dates back to 5200 B.C., in fact. English scientist, Sir Francis Petrial, discovered a painting of two children playing the sport of Bocce Ball in an ancient Egyptian Tomb. By 600 B.C. the sport had made its way to Greece, eventually gaining popularity in Holland, Flanders and Belgium, as well. In 1896, the sport took center stage, with the first Bocce Olympiad being held in Athens. The Bocce boom officially began taking place in the United States by the late 1980’s, paving the way for it to become one of the most popular games for seniors today.

Game Rules

Open Bocce is perfect for casual Bocce players due mostly to the ability to play seemingly anywhere. Eight balls, plus a pallino (smaller ball) can be used for up to 2, 4, 6 or 8 players on the same court. A random participant is chosen to throw the pallino, which is the same player who tosses the first bocce ball. This participant is now considered “inside” because his or her ball is now closet to the pallino, by default. This player loses his second turn until a different player puts their ball closer to the pallino. All players now throw their own ball, with the closest to the pallino awarded one point. Additional points are earned for every one of the leader’s balls closer to the pallino than opponent’s balls. The frame is over after all players have tossed their balls, with 13 total points awarded for the overall winner.

Health Benefits

Bocce Ball is ideal for stress relief, mental stimulation, and can improve flexibility.

Yoga

Yoga is a highly effective practice for senior citizens. The controlled body positions, stretches and focus are perfect for mental and physical well-being. Achieving deep spiritual tranquility is a main priority for all yoga participants. The practice of yoga is believed to be more than 5,000 years old, and remains common today, especially among seniors. Yoga is a great way to stretch and exercise one’s body and spirit.

Health Benefits

Of the multiple benefits from yoga, weight loss is at the top of the list. With the weight reduction, metabolism is balanced, as well. Blood sugar and blood pressure could lower as a result of yoga participation. Increased muscle strength, flexibility and balance could come courtesy of yoga. The activity has been proven to improve cardiovascular and blood circulation.

Shuffleboard

Shuffleboard began being played in English pubs around the 15th century. The game has constantly changed and adapted with the times, but the rules have remained generally the same. For seniors, this is by far one of the most popular sports to play today.

Game Rules

As stated in the previous outline, rules of the game can be altered, but the objectives have always been in place. Outdoor and indoor versions of shuffleboard can vary, while undoubtedly requiring skill to emerge victorious. A player wins when reaching a score of 15, but some tournaments may require 21 points as the benchmark. Taking alternate turns, each player slides their four weights across the opponent’s board. The objective is simple: slide your weights into the area with the highest available scoring value. Players can knock an opponent’s weights off the board with their own weights, or use them to protect their score on the other end of the board.

Health Benefits

Shuffleboard reduces stress, while increasing heart rate at the same time. Mental stimulation is an added benefit to the obvious workout for several muscle groups.

Line Dancing

It is recommended that all human beings, especially seniors, should incorporate at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise in their daily routine. A great way to hit that goal is by participating in line dancing classes. Line dancing is great for the heart, and above all else keeps you healthy and in shape. The activity is perfect for beginners who may not have the greatest rhythm or timing when it comes to the world of dance.

Health Benefits

Line dancing has a plethora of health benefits. The obvious benefits include improving stamina, balance and posture. The constant movement has been shown to lower stress and improve stamina over time. In addition, an avid line dancer should see a lowered risk of diabetes, osteoporosis, high blood pressure and heart disease.

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Assised Living, Assisted Living Community, Assisted Living Retirement Communities, Independent Living, Retirement, Senior Health Issues, Senior Living

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

10 October 2018

Common Senior Health Issues

Are you searching for “common senior health issues”? If you are, you may be concerned about what your loved one may face as they grow older. Today, people in the United States can look forward to living longer than ever before. Once you reach the age of 65, data suggests that you can possibly live another 19 years, on average, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

10 Common Senior Health Issues

For a lot of us, then, senior living includes carefully handling chronic conditions in order to stay healthy. Here are some examples of common health issues that today’s senior’s face.

Arthritis

Arthritis is possibly the number one condition that people 65 or older deal with. The CDC estimates that it around 50 % of adults over 65 and can lead to pain and poorer quality of life for some. Despite the fact that arthritis discourages you from remaining active, it’s invaluable to work with your physician to develop a custom activity plan.

Cancer

According to the CDC, cancer is the second leading cause of death among people over age 65. The CDC also reported that 28% of men and 21% of women over the age of 65 are living with cancer. If detected early on through test screenings, such as colonoscopies, mammograms, and skin checks. A lot of types of cancer are not curable, but are treatable. Although you are not always able to prevention of cancer, you can enhance your quality of life as a senior living with cancer, along with your treatment, by working with your medical team and maintaining and following their suggestions.

Alzheimer’s Disease

According to the Center for Disease Control, Alzheimer’s disease estimated that around 92,604 deaths of people over the age of 65 in 2014. The Alzheimer’s Association reported that 1 in 9 people aged 65 and older, which is around 11%, have Alzheimer’s disease. Because diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease is challenging, it’s hard to know the exact number of people are living with this chronic condition.

Heart Disease

According to the Center of Disease Control, heart disease continues to be the leading killer of adults over the age of 65, totaling around 489,722 deaths in the year 2014. As a constant condition, heart disease affects 37 % of men and 26 % of women 65 and older. As people age, they are continuously living with risk factors, such as having high cholesterol or high blood pressure , that increases the chances of developing heart disease or suffering a stroke.

Respiratory Diseases

Chronic lower respiratory diseases, such as COPD or pulmonary hypertension, are the third leading cause of death among people 65 years of age and older. Among people 65 and older, about 10% of men and 13% of women are living with asthma, and 10% of men and 11% of women are living with emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Even though having a chronic respiratory disease escalates a senior’s health risk, making you more susceptible to pneumonia and other types of infections, getting lung function evaluations and taking the prescribed medication, or using oxygen as advised, will go a long way toward maintaining your health and your quality of life.

Osteoporosis

According to The National Osteoporosis Foundation they estimate that around 54 million Americans over the age of 50 are affected by low bone mass or osteoporosis, putting them at risk for a break or fracture. They also estimate that by the 2020 that number will increase to 64.4 million Americans.

Falls

The risk for falls needing an emergency room visit increases as we age. Year after year, 2.5 million people ages 65 and older are cared for in emergency rooms due to falls, according to the Center for Disease Control. That’s higher than any other age group. According to a study published in August 2015 in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 1/3 of seniors who take a trip to the emergency room for a fall possibly may find themselves there again within 1 year. Also be wary that most falls occur inside the home, where tripping dangers include throw rugs and slick bathroom floors.

Diabetes

The Center for Disease Control, estimates that 25% of people aged 65 and older are living with diabetes, a serious senior health risk. Some studies have found diabetes caused 54,161 deaths among adults over the age of 65 in 2014. Diabetes can be diagnosed and addressed early on, with easy blood tests for measuring blood sugar levels. The earlier you know that you have diabetes or are at risk for diabetes, the sooner you can begin making adjustments to manage the disease and improve your long-term health outlook.

Pneumonia and Influenza

Even though the flu and pneumonia are not chronic, these infections are included in the top 8 causes of death in people over the age of 65, according to the Center for Disease Control. Seniors are more susceptible to these diseases and are less able to fight them off. Senior healthcare suggests getting yearly flu shot, and getting a pneumonia vaccine if advised by your doctor, to prevent these types of infections.

Substance Abuse

An examination of data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions suggests that 1 in 5 people over the age of 65 have had a substance abuse or alcohol abuse problem at some moment in their lives. Tobacco and Alcohol capped the list of non-medical substances abused by evaluation participators. Substance abuse and alcohol abuse are a huge concern for seniors’ health because the possibility of their interactions with prescription medications and the increased senior health risks, such as falls, related to intoxication.

Senior Living Facilities AZ

This list may seem intimidating, but with appropriate medical care, good lifestyle decisions, and support from family and health care specialists, today’s senior’s can enjoy a longer, high-quality life. To schedule a tour of one of our assisted living facilities, visit SLS Communities or for more information please call us today at 623-544-4777.

Senior Health Issues