How to treat osteoporosis in the elderly

Osteoporosis is a common bone disease in the elderly, mainly due to decreased bone density, which makes bones fragile and easy to fracture. The treatment of osteoporosis requires medication, diet, exercise and other aspects, while paying attention to preventing accidental injuries such as falls.

1. Drug treatment

Drug treatment is the core means of osteoporosis. Commonly used drugs include:

Bisphosphonates: such as alendronate sodium and risedronate sodium, can inhibit bone resorption and increase bone density.

Calcium and vitamin D: Supplementing calcium and vitamin D helps bone health. It is recommended to take 1000-1200 mg of calcium and 800-1000 IU of vitamin D per day.

Hormone drugs: such as estrogen replacement therapy, are suitable for postmenopausal women, but must be used under the guidance of a doctor.

2. Diet adjustment

Diet is crucial to improving osteoporosis. It is recommended to consume more of the following foods:

High-calcium foods: such as milk, soy products, sesame seeds, dried fish, etc.

Foods rich in vitamin D: such as egg yolks, deep-sea fish, mushrooms, etc.

High-quality protein: such as lean meat, fish, eggs, etc., helps repair bones.

3. Exercise intervention

Proper exercise can strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis from getting worse:

Weight-bearing exercise: such as walking, jogging, dancing, etc., helps stimulate bone growth.

Resistance training: such as dumbbell and elastic band training, can enhance muscle strength and protect bones.

Balance training: such as Tai Chi and yoga, can improve body coordination and reduce the risk of falling.

4. Prevent falls

Elderly patients with osteoporosis are prone to fractures due to falls and should pay attention to the following preventive measures:

Install safety facilities such as anti-slip mats and handrails in your home.

Wear non-slip shoes and avoid walking on slippery surfaces.

Check your eyesight regularly to avoid falls caused by vision problems.

The treatment of osteoporosis requires long-term persistence, combined with medication, diet, exercise and other interventions to effectively improve bone health. The elderly should regularly check bone density, adjust treatment plans in a timely manner, and pay attention to safety protection in daily life to avoid serious consequences such as fractures.