Fighting the Effects of Ageing

Ageing can be seen as a blessing or a curse, and at times maybe a bit of both. With age comes experience and wisdom. How many times have you wished you knew at age 20 what you know now? However, as much as wisdom is power, age can also be a curse. As we age there are certain conditions and problems we face that seem to be an inevitable part of the process of getting older. However, there are steps you can take to slow down problems, and in some cases avoid them altogether. Let’s face it, there must be a reason why 60 is the new 40.

One such problem we can alter with attention and lifestyle changes is osteoporosis, more common in women, than in men, over 50. So what can we do to avoid the risks, or at least slow them down?

Osteoporosis is a condition where low bone density causes thinning and weakening of the bones. It afflicts predominantly the elderly, but younger people can also experience it. Bone is a tough substance made up of collagen and calcium that is continually renewing and remodelling. Osteoporosis occurs when there is an imbalance between new bone being formed and old bone being reabsorbed. This can lead to weakening of bone tissue. The most common reason for this happening is low levels of calcium, phosphate and vitamin D. Calcium and phosphates are minerals that are vital in bone creation; calcium is also essential for the health of the heart and brain, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.

There are many reasons why osteoporosis occurs. One is lower levels of oestrogen, a significant factor during menopause which may be why it is a condition seen more often in women, particularly in Asians and Caucasians. It can also be as a result of alcoholism, kidney disease, low bodyweight, hyperthyroidism, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle and also certain medications.

Osteoporosis is not easy to detect. Initially the first indication may be a fracture, often from a simple movement or fall that would not normally result in breaking a bone. For this reason, many people who have any of the risk factors should seek advice and diagnosis before suffering any significant injury.

The most common bones at risk are the spine, ribs, hip and wrist. As the disease progresses, changes in posture and height may be noticeable as well as dull aches and pains, sometimes accompanied by bouts of sharp pain when doing simple tasks. If osteoporosis is suspected, there are several ways that it can be diagnosed. These tests are also a good way to monitor the health of your bones over time:

• Blood tests measure calcium, vitamin D and testosterone levels in the blood; they can also determine if there are problems with the thyroid and kidneys. All of these are risk factors associated with osteoporosis.
• Bone mineral density tests measure the density of bone throughout the body. There are different machines that test different areas of the body and in different ways, but they are all non-invasive and painless and have the same objective: to detect osteoporosis and areas that may be susceptible to fracture.

If osteoporosis is diagnosed, then the next step is to make sure that further deterioration is prevented or at least reversed. This can be done by using medications that increase calcium levels and uptake in the body; by incorporating lifestyle changes; adopting a healthy eating plan and adding more exercise to your daily routine. Even simple steps, such as giving up smoking and limiting alcohol intake, can have a positive effect on increasing the strength of your bones.

Prevention is always better than cure so start making those changes now. A healthier lifestyle can help keep bones stronger for longer.