It usually starts with something small. A missed step on the porch. A twist while reaching into the cabinet.
One moment you're moving through the day, and the next, you're facing a long recovery.
That's the reality of osteoporosis. It's a quiet condition that many don't know they have until a bone breaks. And it's more common than you might think. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), over 9 million adults in the U.S. live with it, most without warning signs.
Osteoporosis Awareness Month invites us to slow down and ask: What can we do right now to stay strong and safe?
At Preston Greens in Lexington, KY, we help seniors answer that question daily. Through thoughtful support and a caring community, we support bone health in real, practical ways.
In this article, you'll find the steps we use to help residents stay confident and active. Proving that strong bones -- and strong lives -- are possible at any age.
Every May, communities across the country take time to focus on something we don't always see, but feel as we age: bone health.
Osteoporosis Awareness Month is a reminder that strong bones are key to living fully and safely in our later years. This time of year is about:
It's also an opportunity to take action. One simple step at a time.Whether it's adding more movement to your day or making a few safety changes at home. Osteoporosis Awareness Month is the perfect time to start.
When we think about keeping bones strong, movement might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But it should be.
Our bodies were made to move. And as we get older, we don't always move as much as we used to. That's when bones can start to weaken. Luckily, even small steps can make a big difference.
At Preston Greens, we see this every day. Some of our residents start by walking just a little each morning. It's not uncommon to hear our residents express feeling steadier on their feet after taking advantage of our senior-inspired fitness center.
Here we focus on three simple types of movement that reinforce healthy living for older adults:
Strong bones don't just come from movement. They also need the right fuel.
According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, as we age, our bodies require more nutrients to stay strong. Bones lose minerals over time, and without the right nutrients, they can become weak and break more easily. That's why what we eat matters just as much as how we move.
At Preston Greens, we make it easy for residents to get what their bones need. Our meals include foods rich in calcium, like leafy greens and yogurt. We also make sure there's plenty of vitamin D, which helps the body use that calcium. Our menu consists of a wide range of nutrient-dense foods, including:
Protein is another key part of bone health as it helps rebuild and repair tissue. This is important because it helps keep bones and muscles working together. Therefore, we make it a point to serve balanced meals with:
While strong bones matter immensely, staying upright is just as important. A study published by The Journals of Gerontology reveals that even a small trip while walking can lead to a serious injury.
Since falls are one of the biggest risks for seniors with weak bones, fall prevention is part of everything we do at Preston Greens.
Starting with the space itself, we make sure floors remain clear and dry, no matter the level of foot traffic throughout the day.
Rugs are secured. Grab bars are placed where they're needed most. And lighting is soft but bright enough to see clearly, day or night.
However, fall prevention doesn't stop at the upkeep of our space. We also work closely with health providers to review medications.
Some prescriptions can cause dizziness or confusion, which raises the chance of a fall. When we spot a concern, we speak up.
Strong bones are built with care, but they're also built with connection. It's easier to stick with healthy activities when you don't have to do it alone. That's why community matters so much here at Preston Greens.
We've seen it over and over again. When one person joins a morning walk, others follow. When someone tries a new dish in the dining room, it sparks a conversation. When a resident shares a small win, like getting up from a chair without help, we cheer.
Healthy habits are easier to build -- and more fun to keep -- when they happen in community. And here, that support is built into each day.
Osteoporosis Awareness Month continues to be the perfect time to take action on bone health. By following the bone-strengthening tips shared above, you're well on your way to relief.
At Preston Greens Senior Living in Lexington, Kentucky, we make those steps part of everyday life. With our on-site fitness center, we work closely with residents and families to create routines that feel good and do good.
If you're looking for an environment where your loved one can thrive (not just live), we invite you to come see Preston Greens for yourself. Book a tour to meet the people who make this community feel like home.