These days, with the prolonged Corona 19 and the fall and rainy season overlapping with the fall and rainy season, physical activity is decreasing. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis disease, so it is a particularly important vitamin for people in their 60s and 70s.
Vitamin D is a type of fat-soluble vitamin that regulates various functions of the body, such as maintaining bone health, skeletal system development, and neuromuscular function. It is also present in some foods, but eating alone is not enough.
Most of vitamin D is synthesized in the body through sunlight and delivered to organs through the blood. It mainly promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and plays a role in making the bones strong and dense.
When vitamin D is insufficient, calcium and phosphorus cannot accumulate in the bones, which leads to a decrease in bone density, which can lead to osteopenia, osteoporosis, or rickets, which causes bones to become soft, and osteomalacia.
Osteoporosis can be life-threatening because bones are easily broken or damaged as there are more holes in the bones. In particular, osteoporosis in the elderly can lead to fractures, which can lead to ‘compression fractures of the spine’. This means that the vertebrae are crushed by flattening them. In people over the age of 60 or 70, who have already weakened bones, it can occur to the extent of hitting the buttocks, and even sneezing or coughing can cause it.
If vitamin D is deficient, bones and muscle strength are weakened and the risk of fractures such as falls increases. Seniors should pay attention to your vitamin D intake as much as possible.
Osteoporosis mainly occurs in the wrist, spine, and hip joints, and hip fractures require long-term treatment, which can lead to serious complications and even loss of life. It is important to maintain bone health through active lifestyle changes such as regular exposure to the sun after undergoing examinations and exercise.
To prevent vitamin D deficiency, it is recommended to expose unprotected skin to sunlight for at least 20 minutes at least twice a week.
Eating foods rich in vitamin D, such as salmon, mackerel, and egg yolks, can also help. If it continues to rain or there is no outdoor activity due to COVID-19, you can consider a vitamin D supplement.
Vitamin D deficiency can occur in anyone, regardless of age or sex, but the elderly are more likely to be exposed to vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, it is very important to get rid of vitamin D deficiency by exercising for at least 20 minutes in the sun every day and taking vitamin D, calcium, and phosphate supplements.
