Osteoporosis in Men: 5 Facts Every Senior Should Know

According to StatPearls, at least 200 million people, or 20% of the global population, have osteoporosis.

The disease comes with aging and reduces your bone mass. It makes it harder to stand and increases the risk of potentially deadly falls.

The disease can be a major problem for all seniors, including those in an independent living community. The amenities you'd love to enjoy seem beyond your reach. Fortunately, you can treat and prevent it with the right knowledge.

Read on to learn five important facts about osteoporosis in men every senior in Redding, CA, should know.

1. It's Not Just a Woman's Disease

Osteoporosis in men is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, but it's a serious health risk.

It is true that the condition is more common in women. According to the FDA, 80% of those affected by it are women.

That doesn't mean men shouldn't be concerned. It's still an essential part of senior men's health because it can have dire consequences if not addressed.

2. Fractures are Serious

Approximately 30% of all hip fractures from osteoporosis occur in men, according to an article in Endocrine Reviews. The one-year mortality rate after a hip fracture is 31-35% in men compared to 17-22% in women.

Common fracture sites are the:

Spine
Hip
Wrist
Ribs
Pelvis
Clavicle

Fractures also cause serious symptoms in men beyond pain. They may lead to gait changes. They can even cause men to shrink.

3. There Are Unique Risk Factors for Osteoporosis in Men

Men lose bone mass more slowly than women. This doesn't happen with the sudden onset of menopause. Men don't start experiencing that sort of rapid bone density decrease until around the age of 65-70.

Bone loss eventually begins around the age of 60 and increases with age. Aging and osteoporosis go hand in hand regardless of gender.

Major risk factors for osteoporosis in men include:

Low testosterone or estrogen
Chronic diseases
Long-term use of steroids
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Physical inactivity
High or low body weight
Family history
Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

4. There Are Unique Ways to Get Screened and Diagnosed

Men are less likely to be evaluated for osteoporosis after a fracture. They're unlikely to go to the doctor until they notice symptoms or have already had a fracture. This can lead to missing out on early treatment.

All men over 60 should consider getting screened. There are several ways to do this, including the MORES examination, a DEXA scan, and the FRAX assessment.

MORES Score

One of the most common tests for osteoporosis in men is the MORES Score.

It stands for Male Osteoporosis Risk Estimation Score. It accounts for your entire history, including:

Age
Weight
History of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

DEXA Scan

A DEXA scan, or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, is a more thorough test. It's recommended for men over 70 or with increased risk factors.

You'll get a T-score, which is the difference between your bone density and the average. Anything less than -2.5 is considered osteoporosis.

FRAX Assessment

An osteoporosis diagnosis increases your risk of falls and fractures, but there's one test that can tell you how much.

It's called the FRAX or Fracture Risk Assessment Tool. It can help determine your risk for a major osteoarthritic fracture in the next ten years.

5. It Can Be Prevented and Treated

A few basic men's wellness tips can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Medications can help, but the right lifestyle can also reduce the risk of bone loss. That means giving up harmful habits and sticking to a proper diet and exercise routine. Fall prevention and proper care are essential if fractures do occur.

Medications

Medications such as bisphosphonates and teriparatide are commonly used for bone loss prevention.

Bisphosphonates slow down the body's natural breakdown of tissue to increase bone density. They can be taken orally or intravenously.

Denosumab is another option. It's an injection taken every six months.

There are also medication options to deal with osteoporosis and other co-occurring conditions at the same time. Testosterone therapy can help grow the bones and increase testosterone levels. It can be delivered using:

Oral pills
Implants
Patches
Injections
Gels
Creams

Remove Bad Habits

Stop smoking. Affecting your bones is only one of the many negative effects it can have on your body.

Reduce your alcohol consumption. Drinking too much can negatively affect not only your bones but also your overall health. It can also interact with medications you may be taking, including ones used to treat osteoporosis.

Exercise and Diet

A proper diet becomes even more essential with age because it helps with building bone health in older adults. Calcium helps build bones, and vitamin D helps your body absorb it.

Supplements are an option, but you can find these essential minerals in several types of foods, including:

Fruits
Vegetables
Nuts
Fatty fish
Liver
Eggs

Getting out into the sun is also important for getting enough vitamin D. Step outside with your family. Enjoy an outdoor amenity at your independent living community.

Another important prevention method is a regular exercise program administered by a professional. Aim to perform a mix of weight-bearing, resistance, and balance exercises. As you begin to get stronger, so will your bones.

Fracture Recovery and Fall Prevention

After a fracture, you should start physical therapy and fall prevention strategies as soon as possible. These steps will reduce future risk.

Gait training helps remind your body to walk the way it needs to. Preparing your living area can also prevent trips and falls. Keep everything well-lit. Remove clutter and environmental hazards such as rugs.

An independent living community can help get started. They'll have clear rooms you can easily walk through.

Find a Community for Your Current and Future Healthcare Needs Today

Osteoporosis in men isn't as common as in women, but it's just as serious, if not more so. It's essential to get tested and treated as soon as possible. The right lifestyle and medications can prevent bone loss and falls.

Shasta Estates is an independent living community that blends an independent lifestyle with all-inclusive amenities. Our spacious apartments are steps away from beautiful outdoor areas and daily social gatherings.