Building Strength and Resilience with Osteoporosis
Despite advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, there is still much work to be done. Current protocols predominantly focus on pharmacologic intervention, overlooking the holistic needs of patients. This narrow approach fails to address the extensive physical, financial, and psychosocial ramifications of the disease, particularly when a low traumatic fracture occurs. The National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference on Osteoporosis has recognized that osteoporosis affects individuals of all ages, genders, and races. The consequences of this disease are far-reaching and can impact not only the individual but also their family and community. This blog post aims to explore the psychological and social implications of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Additionally, we propose effective strategies to manage these outcomes and highlight future research directions to improve the overall well-being and quality of life for all individuals affected by osteoporosis with a low traumatic fracture.
Osteoporosis is a hidden disease that can have significant sociopsychological implications on individuals, with potential impacts on their quality of life, mental health, and social well-being. Fear of falling, social isolation, depression, anxiety, body image issues, and stigma are some of the common concerns that individuals with osteoporosis may experience. This fear increases if the individual also has experienced a low traumatic fracture. It is therefore important to raise awareness about the psychosocial interventions that could impact health perceptions at the onset of osteoporosis and help people negotiate changes that are associated with osteoporosis and the aging process itself.
Fear of falling and fear avoidance
One of the most significant concerns for people with osteoporosis is the fear of falling. This fear can lead to decreased physical activity, social isolation, depression, and anxiety. This can further contribute to decreased bone strength and increased risk of falls. Therefore, regular physical activity can help to reduce bone loss and increase bone strength, thereby reducing the risk of fractures. Exercise can also help to improve balance and coordination, and confidence which can reduce the risk of falls, fractures and psychosocial issues.
Body image and stigma
Women with osteoporosis often report feeling self-conscious about their appearance and perceive themselves as “fragile” or “weak.” This can lead to a negative impact on self-esteem and mental health. A study on the impact of osteoporosis on quality of life found that individuals with osteoporosis reported feeling stigmatised and perceived as “old” or “feeble,” leading to negative feelings about their self-worth and social identity. Support groups can provide emotional and social support for people with osteoporosis, helping them to cope with the challenges of the disease and maintain a positive outlook. Raising awareness about the sociopsychological impact of osteoporosis can help reduce stigma and promote understanding and empathy towards individuals living with this condition.
Psychosocial interventions
Education plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with osteoporosis, covering a range of topics like disease understanding, prevention, testing, and available treatments. These educational programs, benefiting both diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals, are vital for promoting disease prevention and overall well-being.
Through these educational initiatives, individuals can gain knowledge about prevention, rehabilitation, the impact of aging on the body and mind, exercise and nutrition, retirement planning, combating ageism, life transitions, and end-of-life considerations:
Learning about osteoporosis
Education is one of the most important psychosocial interventions for osteoporosis. Health promotion and disease prevention programs have an important role in successful aging. Educational programs should address all aspects of the disease process such as what osteoporosis is, what are the physiologic implications of the disease, who is at risk, how can osteoporosis be prevented, how to get tested, and what therapies for treatment are available. Programs that focus on providing information to people who have or have not been diagnosed with osteoporosis are extremely important. Knowledge can be powerful in the disease prevention and health promotion process.
Promoting a successful aging mindset
Successful aging involves low risk of disease and disease-related disability, high mental and physical function, and active engagement in life. Educational programs dealing with successful aging are imperative and should be readily available to the community. Some of the issues that could be addressed include disease prevention and rehabilitation through proper detection and treatment, physiologic and psychological effects of aging, proper exercise and nutrition, retirement living, ageism, life course transitions, and death and dying.
Enhancing Quality of Life with Osteoporosis
In conclusion, osteoporosis, particularly when recovering from a low traumatic fracture, can be a debilitating disease that affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. However, with proper education, exercise, support, and housing modifications, people with osteoporosis can maintain a good quality of life and age successfully. It is important to raise awareness about the psychosocial interventions that could impact health perceptions at the onset of osteoporosis and help people negotiate changes that are associated with osteoporosis and the aging process itself. By focusing on the psychosocial implications of osteoporosis, healthcare providers can join us in providing appropriate support and resources to address these concerns, ultimately improving the quality of life of those living with this condition.
Sunshine Coast Clinic Specialising in Osteoporosis
Nordica Health Clinic is an Exercise Physiology clinic on the Sunshine Coast, specialising in helping individuals with Osteoporosis live a quality life with minimal pain. Our Exercise Physiologists use evidence based testing and practices to together with their clients develop an individualised training program, individually and in groups.
Contact Nordica Health Clinic in Forest Glen, Sunshine Coast, to find out more how we can assist you on your osteoporosis journey.
Get in Touch
Location
Clinic Address : Forest Glen Village Centre Tenancy B2, 354 Mons Road Forest Glen, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4556
Phone / Fax
Phone: 0477 783 799
Fax: 07 5335 1675
admin@nordicahealth.com.au
