Bones, Joints, and Muscles

With age bones tend to shrink and lose thickness, this may make them weak and more susceptible to fractures and breaks and you may even find yourself becoming a tad shorter. Your muscles will lose strength and flexibility, this may mean that you may have trouble balancing and become less coordinated. As a result of this you may be more prone to falls. To learn about fall prevention click here.

How to promote bone, joint, and muscle health:

Have adequate amounts of Calcium – up to the age of 50 you should have 1mg of calcium a day, 1.2g for women over the age of 50 and males 70 years or older. If you are concerned about your calcium intake talk to your local pharmacist or dietitian in regards to calcium supplements.

Have adequate Vitamin D – up to the age of 70 adults should take 600 IU per day of vitamin D a day and increase to 800 IU per day for adults who are 71 or older. If you are concerned about your Vitamin D intake talk to your local doctor or pharmacist in regards to Vitamin D supplements.

Go for a walk, do some gardening, go for a swim do any fun activities and make it a part of your daily routine. This will help build strong bones and slow down bone loss.

Avoid smoking and don’t have anymore than 2 alcoholic drinks a day.