If You Are 65 Or Older - Developing A Plan Of Action: Osteoporosis

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

If you are 65 or older

At this point, bone loss has tapered off for women. Estrogen deficiency is no longer the primary thief of bone; decreased absorption of minerals plays a significant role. But for men, bone loss has speeded up. Regardless of your sex, you are still losing bone as you age. All of the previous suggestions for bone maintenance still apply, and you should be vigilant in following them. In addition, consider these suggestions.

Increase your calcium intake and get plenty of vitamin D. The recommended intake of calcium is 1,200 mg for everyone. Make sure that you accompany it with 400–600 IU of vitamin D to enhance absorption.

Keep up your exercise routine. It's necessary not only to preserve bone, but also to maintain muscle mass, which helps protect bones should you fall. Exercise also helps improve balance and lessens the likelihood of falling. Consider learning tai chi or other types of exercises that improve balance and coordination. Also, perform the exercises in "Two exercises that can improve your balance."

Consider medication. Now you have more choices than ever before. Alendronate, risedronate, raloxifene, and hormone therapy have all been shown to reduce bone loss, and are approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Parathyroid hormone and calcitonin are approved for treatment. Each has its own benefits, risks, and side effects. You may want to talk to your doctor about whether you should take a preventive medication and, if so, which one may be best for you.

Diet and exercise are important components in an osteoporosis prevention or treatment plan.

Last updated:	January 23, 2007