For seniors’ information, osteopenia is not osteoporosis nor yet another bone disease, but it is considered by health care professionals to be a precursor of the aforementioned bone disease. Furthermore, when diagnosed with osteopenia, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll lead to osteoporosis. In other words, osteopenia is more of a condition than an imminent danger, like a forewarning that a senior is at risk of bone disease.
In a nutshell, your condition is considered to be osteopenia if your bone density is lower than normal but not yet at its lowest to qualify as osteoporosis. As we age, our bones lose calcium making it porous. Gradual bone loss usually occurs at the age of 40 and above since the peak of total bone mass is around 35 years of age. By the time the body loses way more than it can afford to, it will be weaker, prone to breaks and fractures.
It is strongly suggested that older adults ages 45 and above to have themselves tested for bone density, especially women who are in menopausal stage as they are at higher risk due to their declining estrogen levels. Moreover, due to the nature of early bone density loss—it being pain-free and symptom-free—it’s fairly hard to determine if you are indeed below the normal bone density.
Good news is, osteopenia can be treated to prevent it from progressing to osteoporosis. Like stated earlier, since it does not pose any imminent danger, consider yourself lucky when diagnosed this early. Usually, treatment of osteopenia involves lifestyle changes encouraging you to be more active as well as engage in activities wherein bone rehabilitation and growth are encouraged. Weight lifting and strength training are usually the most recommended activities for those with osteopenia, however, it should be done under close supervision by professionals. Weight lifting doesn’t necessarily mean lifting weights twice your size, just simple conditioning of bones and muscles would do just fine, even climbing stairs as you will carry your body weight all throughout the routine.
Boosting up your diet on calcium will also help you recover from osteopenia. Your doctor is more likely to suggest that calcium and vitamin D be in combo as vitamin D encourages better calcium absorption. For weight watchers, go for nonfat and lowfat dairy products. On the other hand, vegetarians should double their broccoli, kale and spinach intake. Calcium supplements can also be taken for safety measures.
Other known risk factors for osteopenia, these are:
•    Smoking
•    Alcohol consumption
•    Eating disorder
•    Health conditions pertaining to those disabling the body to absorb nutrients