Just like for women, getting enough calcium is very important for preventing osteoporosis. Adults over 50 need 1,200 mg of calcium every day. The best way to get enough calcium is through diet. Buy fortified orange juice and cereals, and eat lots of green leafy vegetables and low-fat dairy products like cheese, milk, ice cream and yogurt.
Your loved one should also get enough vitamin D. If you spend 15 minutes outside in the sun each day, the body should make enough on its own. If you have limited sun exposure, scientists currently recommend 200 to 400 international units (IU) for those under age 70, and 600 for those over 70.
It's also important to do regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, jogging, stair-climbing, tennis, weight-training and dancing. These exercises may strengthen bones and may also help with balance. That will reduce your loved one's risk of falling and thus reduce his chances of breaking a bone.
If your loved one already has osteoporosis, doctors are prescribing most of the same medications that they are giving to women. Alendronate and risedronate both now come in a once-a-week pill. But they can cause problems with the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth with the stomach) if not taken exactly as directed. The Food and Drug Administration has approved teriparatide only for those who are at high risk of fracture; the drug must be injected daily for no longer than two years. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your options.
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