Senior Health

GrandparentManaging your health as a senior presents a whole new set of discoveries & challenges. Here are some tips and resources related to common issues and recommendations to keep your lifestyle comfortable, safe & healthy.

Arthritis & Osteoporosis

Maintaining healthy joint function and good bone density is important. By staying active, improving your diet, and talking to your doctor about your medications, you can help prevent damage caused by joint wear & bone loss.

  • There are many kinds of arthritis. Most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Our bodies continue to build bone until about the age of 30. Afterwards, the bones begin to lose mass – a process slowed by regular exercise & good diet.

  • Be kind to your joints. Studies show that maintaining a healthy weight reduces your risk of osteoarthritis by half.

Arthritis Foundation Website →

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  • Keep moving! Mild exercise, such as walking and swimming, help to alleviate stiffness and aching related to arthritis.

  • Quit smoking. Kicking the habit can greatly reduce the damage caused by bone loss.

  • Wear supportive shoes that promote good balance and reduce impacts on your joints.

  • Pamper yourself. Warm baths and massages soothe aches, improve circulation, and release joint tension.

  • Mitigate your risks. Osteoporosis makes bones much more prone to fractures that have difficulty healing. Make your house “bone friendly” by clearing walkways & installing supports to avoid falls.

    • Image: CDC Exercise Guidelines

    National Osteoporosis Foundation →

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  • Eat those greens! A diet rich in calcium – found mostly in dairy products and dark leafy greens – helps prevent rapid bone loss.

  • Vitamins C & D also plays an important role in bone health. Enriched dairy products, seafood, and citrus fruits should be part of a balanced diet.

  • Cold water fish, such as salmon, contains Omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation and help reduce joint damage. Ask your doctor if fish oil supplements are right for you.

More tips specially designed for seniors:

SeniorHealth: National Institute of Health →

  • Improve balance, coordination, and memory
  • Manage blood pressure
  • Develop a unique nutrition plan
  • Maintain heart health
  • Understand your medications