Bone Health – An Overlooked Condition

Barb Hemberger • October 20, 2022

When it comes to improving your health as you age, we often hear about brain health, heart health, lung health and even eye health. The one area that unfortunately gets overlooked is bone health.


We’re taking some time to explain the importance of bone health, because not only is it Bone and Joint Health Action Week, but today is World Osteoporosis Day.

Here’s the long and short of it – if you don’t take care of your bone health, you might end up with osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, and that can have serious consequences.

Your bones are continuously changing — new bone is made, and old bone is broken down. When you’re young, your body makes new bone faster than it breaks down old bone, and your bone mass increases (most people reach their peak bone mass around age 30). After 30, you continue to build bone, but you lose slightly more bone mass than you gain.



The numbers don’t lie.


  • Worldwide, one in three women and one in five men aged 50 years and over will suffer an osteoporotic fracture. Something as innocuous as a bump, a sneeze or a sudden movement could cause a fracture, let alone a fall. Fractures caused by osteoporosis can be life-threatening and a major cause of pain and long-term disability.
  • Osteoporosis-related fractures are most likely to occur in the hip, spine, wrist or upper part of the arm.
  • It can lead to pain, height loss and a stooped or hunched posture.


People over 60 are at higher risk of osteoporosis and because it doesn’t have any obvious signs or symptoms, it’s hard to know if you have it until you break a bone. There are indicators but the best thing is to talk to your doctor. You can also check out the Osteoporosis Risk Check developed by the International Osteoporosis Foundation.


Osteoporosis can be treated, talk to your doctor for that, but there are some things in the meantime that you can do to improve bone health. Such as:


  • Exercise regularly – Keep your bones and muscles moving. Weight-bearing, muscle-strengthening and balance-training exercises are best. FYI, weight bearing exercises include walking, dancing, low-impact aerobics, elliptical training machines, stair climbing and gardening.
  • Ensure your diet is rich in bone-healthy nutrients. Calcium, vitamin D and protein are the most important for bone health. Safe exposure to sunshine can help you get enough vitamin D, but for those in the northern climate, supplements may be a good idea. Some healthy foods can be found on the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation website, but include things like dairy products, yogurt and cheese; fish; fruits and vegetables; red and green peppers, oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, tomato products and so on.
  • Avoid negative lifestyle habits. Maintain a healthy body weight, avoid smoking and excessive drinking.
  • Get tested and treated if needed. If you’re at high risk you will likely need medication and lifestyle changes to help protect yourself against fractures. As mentioned previously, bring your concerns to your doctor’s attention, especially if you’ve had a previous fracture, have a family history of osteoporosis, or take specific medications that affect bone health.

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At Saint Therese, our heartfelt purpose since 1968 has been a people first approach to living well by providing senior care and services where every life we touch feels welcomed, respected, and heard. We achieve this by doing ordinary things with extraordinary love every single day. Contact us to learn more. 

2025 Senior Health: Progress, Challenges, and Key State Insights

By Barb Hemberger • May 23, 2025
The 2025 America’s Health Rankings® Senior Report was recently released, offering a comprehensive overview of the health and well-being of older adults across the United States. The report, based on 55 measures from 24 distinct data sources, highlights both strides made and challenges persisting in senior health. While there is encouraging progress in areas like reduced early death rates and strengthened social connectedness among older adults, significant mental and behavioral health challenges remain. Key Findings from the Report Falls and obesity rates have stabilized after peaking earlier this decade. The number of geriatric clinicians increased by 5 percent, marking the highest rate ever recorded by the rankings. Volunteerism saw a 19 percent increase between 2021 and 2023. The healthiest state for older adults was Vermont, followed by Colorado, Washington, Utah, and Connecticut. Meanwhile, Mississippi ranked as the least healthy state, with Louisiana, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Kentucky following suit. Insights from States with Saint Therese Senior Communities Minnesota ranked 7th overall, placing it among the top 10 healthiest states for older adults. It showed a promising 13 percent increase in the number of geriatric clinicians between 2021 and 2024. However, the state also experienced a significant 23 percent rise in depression rates among adults aged 65 and older, increasing from 12.8 to 15.7 percent between 2018 and 2023. Michigan secured the 21st spot in the rankings. The state showed notable improvements, including an 18 percent drop in falls, decreasing from 32.6 to 26.7 percent of adults aged 65 and older between 2014 and 2023. Additionally, cognitive difficulty rates decreased by 13 percent, from 8.8 to 7.7 percent during the same period. Ohio ranked 36th overall, but one bright spot was a significant 35 percent increase in the number of geriatric clinicians between September 2019 and September 2024. Positive Signs for Volunteering The news about volunteering is a positive sign as emerging evidence shows that older adults who volunteer regularly have fewer cognitive complaints and a lower risk for dementia compared with those who do not volunteer regularly. At Saint Therese, volunteers are as much a part of our organization as our residents, families, visitors, and employees. We rely on and value the countless hours and dedication of those who support our mission by volunteering in our communities. We are always looking for volunteers. To find out more, or to apply to be a volunteer, please visit us here. The Bottom Line The 2025 Senior Report, produced by the United Health Foundation, underscores the complexities of senior health in the United States. While strides have been made in areas such as access to specialized care and volunteer engagement, persistent challenges like obesity, depression, and behavioral health highlight the need for continued efforts. The Report serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing work needed to ensure a healthier future for older adults across the nation.

Ascend Wellness & Fitness: Elevating Health, Confidence, and Community

By Kathy Nelson, Fitness Specialist • April 24, 2025
At Ascend Rehabilitation , we believe that wellness is more than just exercise—it’s about fostering strength, confidence, and connection. Our wellness and fitness program seamlessly integrates with therapy to help residents and clients improve their physical, mental, and social well-being. 

Saint Therese of Corcoran’s Stained Glass Window – A Labor of Love

By Barb Hemberger • December 12, 2024
Our newest Twin Cities senior living community, Saint Therese of Corcoran, is stunning. In so many ways. As you walk in the main entrance, you can feel its vibrancy, energy,… The post Saint Therese of Corcoran’s Stained Glass Window – A Labor of Love appeared first on Saint Therese Blog.