Nutritional recommendations for elderly and senile people | Nutritional recommendations for elderly and senile people

Nutritional recommendations for elderly and senile people

Nutritional recommendations for elderly and senile people

                                   

              Age-related fragility of bones

How to prevent age-related fragility of bones

Many people know or have heard about the most dramatic condition for people over the age of 70-75 years, when a hip fracture occurs during a fall. This injury leads to a significant restriction of movement, and if such patients are not operated on, then he is forced to be constantly in a supine state. ... Even after a successful operation, it takes a long time for rehabilitation to regain the ability to move normally.

Bone fractures in older people are caused by osteopenia and osteoporosis, which is the gradual destruction of bones by leaching calcium, a substance that the body needs to maintain and restore normal bone structure. Due to the leaching of calcium, the bones lose the ability to recover normally and fully and therefore break even with minor injuries.

In men, the reduced testosterone level, which triggers the process of bone fragility, begins in everyone individually, but on average around the age of 60-65 years.

The processes of age-related impairment of bone restoration begin in women after menopause - this is the last menstruation, which, on average, occurs at 49 years of age. In men, a decrease in the intensity of bone tissue recovery is also associated with age-related hormonal decline, which is called age-related androgen deficiency. The decrease in testosterone levels, which triggers the process of bone fragility, begins in each individual, but on average around the age of 60-65 years.

By this age, the number of fractures prevails in women, since their level of sex hormones that protect bone tissue decreases earlier than men. And after 65 years, when the positive effect of sex hormones on bone tissue decreases in both men and women, the number of fractures becomes the same.

How can you help strengthen bones through nutrition?

Today it is known for sure that if a person consumes less than 400 mg of calcium per day, then this is most likely due to the formation of bone fragility and fractures. You can also use a sufficient amount of calcium, but due to various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, its absorption may be impaired. , therefore, the body, namely the bones, will feel a lack of a trace element.

The daily amount of calcium should be 1.0-1.5 grams, so in old age you need to learn how to regularly consume products such as Dutch or Russian cheese, sesame seeds, feta cheese. A very good solution can be the consumption of processed cheese, of which there are many in Belarusian stores at low prices.

Prevention of osteopenia - the initial stage of age-related fragility of bones, which then flows into osteoporosis, characterized by large changes, cannot be carried out without the use of vitamin D. It is very necessary for the normal restoration of bone tissue. About 80% of vitamin D is produced in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet rays. At any age, you need to be outdoors as much as possible, even in cloudy weather, from mid-May to mid-September, when the sun's ultraviolet activity is greatest. This should be especially remembered by persons who care for the elderly and seniors who have difficulty in moving. It is imperative for such patients to create conditions for them to breathe fresh air, for example, on the balcony or on a bench near the house. In the summer, there is absolutely no need to sit at home within four walls,

Vitamin D is found in cereals, especially oatmeal, fatty fish (sardines, mackerel, tuna, salmon), which can also be used in canned food.

Let's summarize. In adulthood, for physiological reasons, bone fragility develops, which often leads to fractures. To prevent bone fragility through diet, you need to consume 1-1.5 grams of calcium daily.

Do not forget about the foods through which vitamin D enters our body - it helps the absorption of calcium. It is important to be outdoors, especially in the summer. Well, do not forget to consult a doctor for the timely detection and treatment of gastric tract pathology, which can lead to a decrease in calcium absorption even with sufficient intake from food. Following these simple tips carefully can help reduce the risk of very painful fractures, especially of the hip and wrist bones in adulthood. 

Nutritional recommendations for elderly and senile people | Age-related fragility of bones