BONE HEALTH
Active aging in orthopedics focuses on providing, educating, and encouraging older adults to maintain strength, mobility, and function through appropriate rehabilitation and prevention strategies. The main goal is to support patients in preventing injuries, staying active, and managing conditions related to aging that include muscle loss, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis.
Exercise and physical activity are important components in maintaining an active lifestyle. This includes strength training to combat muscle loss and improving overall bone density, ultimately to maintain mobility and prevent falls. Aerobic exercises, including cycling, swimming, and walking, improve overall cardiac health and endurance. Balance and flexibility reduce the risk of falls; regular stretching and balance exercises including yoga or tai chi help improve overall function. Low impact exercises such as water aerobics and biking help to reduce joint strain.
Joint health and mobility are imperative in maintaining optimal functionality. Osteoarthritis management including general exercise helps improve joint function and helps reduce joint stiffness. Overall weight management helps alleviate pressure on weight-bearing joints. Osteoporosis prevention introduces weight-bearing exercises like walking and strength training into your daily routine to increase overall bone density and reduce the risk of fragility fractures. Using assistive devices such as walking aids, supportive devices, and braces improves overall stability and mobility.
Fall prevention, rehabilitation, and post-surgery recovery are all important in maintaining functionality and reducing risk of falls. Balance training, wearing appropriate footwear, and environmental modifications can improve fall risk. Tailored physical therapy to regain function, improve strength and prevent further damage in case of injury. Depending on the patient, rehabilitation can be crucial in regaining full function for post-surgical patients.
Proper nutrition and bone health including the proper intake of calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health. Supplementation may be indicated for certain patients. Adequate protein intake is necessary to maintain overall strength and muscle mass.
Patient education in regards to posture, ergonomics, and proper body mechanics can help patients in avoiding injuries and strains in daily activities. Helping patients understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, even with chronic conditions, can increase education and overall well-being. For certain patients suffering from chronic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, active aging strategies may need to be adapted to their specific needs, ultimately making physical activity an essential part of overall pain management.
In general, active aging in orthopedics emphasizes maintaining strength, mobility, and independence through a combination of tailored exercises, dietary changes, injury prevention strategies, tailored exercise, and proper management of age-related orthopedic conditions.
