Osteoporosis in Elderly Women - How to Mange This Common Illness in Women

Though osteoporosis can affect anyone it is more prevalent in older people and women are especially very prone to it. One in every two woman and one in every three men over the age of sixty are affected, in some way, by osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease associated with the weakening of the bones caused by the loss of bone density. Around the age of 35 both males and females start losing calcium, but women loose more during the menopausal years and are therefore more affected by the disease then men.

Many times when older people fall and break a hip it is not because of the fall that the hip broke but it is because the hip broke that they fell. The broken hip is, most of the time, because of brittle bones caused by osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is also referred to as the "silent disease". It doesn't show any real symptoms until it is nearly too late. Medical doctors and gynecologists can test their patients for osteoporosis with a bone density test.

There are a few situations in which people will be more susceptible to osteoporosis and it might be good to have a bone density test if you fit any of the criteria.

Calcium and vitamin D are very important for strong bones so if you always had a low intake of these, you might be at risk. Asian and Caucasian woman are more prone than others. Women with a low body weight and small build tend to be more at risk than larger women. A family history of osteoporosis and early menopause are also risk factors.

In older people certain symptoms and occurrences can be an indication of osteoporosis. Losing height and a hunch-back like postures are many times because of osteoporosis. Other symptoms that might indicate osteoporosis are cramps in the legs at night, pain in the lower back or spine, loss of teeth and abdominal pains.

The best defense against osteoporosis should start in childhood and early adult years. Enough vitamin D and calcium are essential, as well as, regular exercise.

Because it is so difficult to rebuild bone, treatment for osteoporosis is never a cure. There is medication available that will strengthen the bones and prevent any further loss. This should be prescribed by a doctor after the necessary tests were done.

Lifestyle changes will also assist, but older people that already suffering from osteoporosis should be careful with the type of exercises they do and it would be better to seek the help of professionals before attempting new exercise routines.