A diet low in dairy products, leafy green vegetables, fish and other sources of calcium and vitamin D may increase bone loss in the elderly and put them at greater risk for falls and fractures. Although osteoporosis may be the result of low calcium intake over a lifetime, the elderly can still benefit from dietary changes that may reduce bone decay and improve quality of life.
Calcium and Bone Formation
In healthy bones, collagen and calcium phosphate combine to form a structure that's supple enough to bend but strong enough to hold up under stress. The formation of new bone material and the resorption of old bone make up a lifelong cycle of bone development. In osteoporosis, the body absorbs the content of old bone more quickly than it can create new bone, leaving the bones brittle and porous. Because their bodies absorb calcium less efficiently, elderly people -- especially postmenopausal women -- are prone to osteoporosis. The recommended dietary intake of calcium increases from 1,000 mg per day for adults ages 30 to 51 to 1,200 mg per day for adults ages 51 and over.
Vitamin D and Calcium Absorption
Vitamin D, a nutrient that the body requires to absorb calcium, is produced by the skin in the presence of sunlight. Because vitamin D production decreases in the elderly, they must rely on food sources, such as fortified milk, egg yolks and ocean fish to meet their daily requirements. Elderly people who avoid eggs due to their cholesterol content may miss out on vitamin D and high-quality proteins, reports Kristin L. Herron, Ph.D., in an article published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2004. Protein prevents the muscle-wasting that leads to inactivity in the elderly, which in turn contributes to bone decay.
Income and Activity
Because many senior citizens live on a fixed income, purchasing calcium-rich foods and dairy products fortified with vitamin D may put a strain on their budget. Cold-water fish, fortified milk, dark green vegetables and other dietary sources of these nutrients can be costly. The housebound elderly may have limited exposure to sunlight, which reduces their natural synthesis of vitamin D and decreases their calcium absorption. Medications that the elderly take for chronic conditions such as arthritis and asthma may inhibit calcium absorption, as well.
Health and Safety Risks
Osteoporosis has a significant impact on physical safety and quality of life in the elderly. According to the National Institutes of Health, osteoporosis contributes to 1.5 million bone fractures annually. Most osteoporosis-related fractures affect the hips, spinal vertebrae and wrists. The bone decay associated with osteoporosis not only increases the risk of falls and injury in the elderly but may decrease their independence and activity level.
Prevention
Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D and regular weight-bearing exercise are the keys to preventing osteoporosis-related bone decay, according to MayoClinic.com. For the elderly who have trouble getting enough calcium and vitamin D from dietary sources due to swallowing difficulty, decreased nutrient absorption or lack of appetite, supplements may make up for the deficit. Nutritional education and public financial support may help the elderly make dietary choices that maintain bone density and prevent injury.
