Older adults and osteoporosis

  Osteoporosis is most often seen in postmenopausal women and the elderly. At this time, the organic matrix and the calcium salts deposited in the bone are lost outward from the bone, resulting in a decrease in bone mass. The outer layer of cortical bone becomes thinner, and the trabeculae of the inner layer of cancellous bone become thinner, fracture, and increase in porosity, making the bone loose and brittle, and unable to withstand the physical load of daily activities, making it prone to fracture.  With the aging of society and the increase of elderly people, osteoporosis is becoming a social problem. At present, 6.6% of the Chinese population suffers from this disease, i.e. 84 million Chinese people suffer from osteoporosis. And due to the unreasonable dietary structure of Chinese people and the modernization of society, the time of activity has decreased. Osteoporosis is not only a problem for the elderly.  The characteristics of people with osteoporosis are: 1) over 55 years old, 2) family history of osteoporosis, 3) long-term lack of exercise or bedridden, 4) thin body, 5) unscientific diet and lack of calcium intake, 6) long-term addiction to tobacco, alcohol, strong tea, strong coffee and cola, 7) long-term lack of sunlight and vitamin D intake, 8) long-term use of hormones and other drugs, 9) history of gastrointestinal history of resection.  The main symptoms of osteoporosis are: sweating, joint pain, calf twitching, especially at night, etc., while osteoporosis is severe enough to cause fractures. Fractures are more frequent in the flexures, femurs, ribs and spinal vertebrae.  Calcium deficiency in osteoporosis can also cause hypertension, coronary heart disease and urinary tract stones.  Older people with osteoporosis symptoms should go to the hospital as soon as possible to check bone density and treat the symptoms. In addition to correcting poor dietary habits, they should exercise in moderation and take appropriate calcium supplements in order to prevent osteoporosis.