12 / 16
12
VITALITY
Spring 2017
40
YEARS The age at which most people
slowly begin to lose bone mass.
43
MILLION The number of Americans age
50 and older with low bone mass. This
condition puts people at risk for the bone-
thinning disease osteoporosis.
10
MILLION The number of Americans age
50 and older with osteoporosis, which can
cause bones to become weak and fragile.
80
PERCENT The portion of people with
osteoporosis who are female.
ou survived all those over-the-hill jokes and cards, and you managed to blow out
all those candles on your cake.
Turning 50, it turned out, was really no big deal.
What is a big deal at this age, however, is making sure you stay in good health.
As you get older, you’re more likely to face health challenges. Here are five
suggestions for beating back those challenges:
50
5 must-dos
3
Be seen—and screened.
Regular
doctor visits can be invaluable in
your efforts to stay well. Now is when
screening tests become particularly
important. In fact, there are some tests,
mammograms, for example, that may
have been best to start years ago.
However, if you haven’t been vigilant
about screenings, it’s not too late. Work
with your doctor to tailor a screening
plan that’s best for you.
2
Shape up your shopping cart.
A good diet promotes good health—
and it starts in the grocery store.
If you’re not already purchasing
fruits and vegetables, whole grains,
fat-free or low-fat dairy products,
lean meats, and fish, it’s time for
some meal makeovers. Foods that
aren’t so healthy—such as butter,
ice cream, cookies and cakes—
are OK periodically. Just don’t
eat them often.
1
Whittle away unwanted weight.
A tubby tummy puts stress on your
heart, lungs, blood vessels and bones
and increases your risk for some serious
diseases, including type 2 diabetes.
If extra pounds have sneaked up
on you, wrap a tape measure around
your waist just above your hips. A
measurement greater than 40 inches for
a man or 35 inches for a woman is a
sign that you should cut some calories
and get more exercise.
0
The number
of cigarettes
you should
smoke if you
want to lower
your risk for
osteoporosis.
Bone
health
by the
numbers
Wondering why and how
to take care of your bones?
A few facts and figures
can help answer those
questions.
Y
COMMUNITY
AGING
The why
The how