Osteoporosis is a disease in which the density and quality of bone are reduced and bones become porous, brittle, and prone to fracture. The loss of bone occurs silently and progressively. There are often no symptoms until the first fracture occurs.
This disease can affect both men and women. Around the world, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men aged 50 years and over are at risk of an osteoporotic fracture.1 The most common fractures associated with osteoporosis occur at the hip, spine, and wrist. The likelihood of these fractures occurring, particularly at the hip and spine, increases with age in both women and men.
Risk factors
Age and gender are key risk factors for this disease. Other risk factors for osteoporosis include:1
- family history of broken bones or osteoporosis
- broken a bone after age 50
- calcium and/or vitamin D deficiency
- physically inactive
- smoke (smokers may absorb less calcium from their diets)
- certain medications, including medicines for arthritis and asthma and some cancer drugs
By the time we reach our 40s or 50s, our bone tissue is not replacing itself as often as it did in our 20s.2 Just like muscle, bone is living tissue, and regular exercise can help strengthen it. Physical activity helps maintain muscle strength, coordination, and balance. This can help prevent falls and related fractures. This is especially true for seniors who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.3
Treatment and prevention methods
Although osteoporosis is a common disease, it is not a normal part of aging. It can cause pain and life-altering loss of mobility. The good news is osteoporosis can be treated, even prevented with certain lifestyle changes.
Muscle-strengthening and weight-bearing exercises are two types of exercises that are important for building and maintaining bone density.1
- Muscle-strengthening exercises include:
- Weight-bearing exercises force the body to work against gravity, and may include:
- walking
- jogging
- climbing stairs
- playing tennis
- dancing
The SilverSneakers® fitness program can help your patients find the perfect mix of exercises to help them build and protect their bones.
SilverSneakers fitness program
SilverSneakers is free to Independence Medicare Advantage members. The program offers classes* at participating locations† across the nation. Locations have strength equipment and weight machines. Classes may also be available at nearby community parks and recreation centers. Or members can exercise with SilverSneakers On-DemandTM Videos in their own living room.
Independence Medicare Advantage members can visit SilverSneakers.com to get their ID number or find convenient locations. They can also download the SilverSneakers GOTM app for adjustable workout programs tailored to individual fitness levels and schedule reminders for favorite activities, find convenient locations, and more.
Talk with your patients with osteoporosis about starting an exercise program and discuss which exercises and activities are safe for them.
Getting started
Getting started is quick and easy. Your Independence Medicare Advantage patients can simply visit SilverSneakers.com/StartHere or call 1-888-423-4632 (TTY: 711) Monday through Friday,8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, to get their SilverSneakers ID number, find the participating locations they’d like to visit, and then show up! It’s that simple.
*Membership includes SilverSneakers instructor-led group fitness classes. Some locations offer members additional classes. Class offerings, services, and amenities vary by location.
†Participating locations (“PL”) are not owned or operated by Tivity Health, Inc. or its affiliates. Use of PL facilities and amenities is limited to terms and conditions of PL basic membership. Facilities and amenities vary by PL.
SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc., an independent company. SilverSneakers On-Demand and SilverSneakers GO are trademarks of Tivity Health, Inc. © 2019 Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved.