With increasing age, maintaining good health becomes increasingly important. Among the
various nutrients needed for the body’s well-being, calcium plays a critical role, especially for
senior adults. Calcium is essential for the proper functioning of the body, as it contributes to
the maintenance of strong bones, teeth, and overall muscle function. Calcium is not made
naturally by the body; it is received through food and supplements. Calcium gets stored in
the bones. As you grow older, your body may face challenges in absorbing and retaining
calcium, making supplementation an important consideration for senior citizens. The
question arises, do senior citizens have a right to calcium supplements? And why is calcium
supplementation so crucial during the ageing process?
The importance of calcium in senior citizens health
Calcium is a mineral that the body requires in large amounts to maintain bone health,
muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. While calcium is well known for its
role in bone density, it is also involved in various metabolic functions. For senior citizens,
maintaining an adequate level of calcium is vital to avoid common age-related conditions
such as osteoporosis, fractures, and even heart issues.
Bone health and osteoporosis. One of the most significant concerns for older adults is
osteoporosis, a condition where bones become brittle and fragile due to decreased bone
density. Osteoporosis is a silent disease that often does not show symptoms until a fracture
occurs. Calcium, along with vitamin D, is crucial in maintaining bone density and strength. A
deficiency in calcium can accelerate the onset of osteoporosis and increase the risk of
fractures. Vitamin D is equally important for bone health.
Muscle function. Calcium is also needed for muscle contraction. As people age, their
muscles naturally weaken, and calcium deficiency can further exacerbate muscle loss and
weakness. This may lead to mobility issues, falls, and a reduced quality of life.
Cardiovascular health. Calcium helps regulate the contraction and relaxation of the heart
muscle. A lack of calcium can cause irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. Thus, ensuring adequate calcium intake is essential for
maintaining heart health in older adults.
Nerve function. Calcium is vital for nerve function, and older adults may experience nerve-
related problems such as tingling or numbness due to deficiencies in calcium. Ensuring
proper calcium levels can improve nerve signaling, which is crucial for brain health and
communication within the body.
Difficulty in calcium absorption
As individuals age, several factors hinder the efficient absorption of calcium, which increases
the likelihood of deficiencies.
Decreased calcium absorption. As people get older, their stomachs produce less gastric acid, which is necessary to break down calcium supplements and food sources of calcium. This decrease in stomach acid can reduce the body's ability to absorb calcium from dietary sources.
Dietary restrictions. Senior citizens often have altered dietary habits due to various reasons,
such as decreased appetite, or specific health conditions such as lactose intolerance, vegan
diets that limit calcium intake from natural food sources like dairy products. For those who
have limited access to calcium-rich foods, supplementation becomes essential.
Medications and health conditions. Certain medications commonly used by seniors, such as
corticosteroids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can interfere with calcium absorption or
increase calcium excretion. Health conditions like kidney disease can also impact calcium
balance, making supplementation even more crucial.
Hormonal changes. In women, post-menopausal changes in estrogen levels can lead to
decreased calcium retention in bones. Similarly, men may experience decreased
testosterone levels, which can have a negative impact on bone health as well.
Sources of calcium for seniors
While supplements are an important option for calcium intake, always best to aim for getting calcium from natural food sources whenever possible. Some of the best dietary
sources of calcium include:
Dairy products. milk, yogurt, and cheese
Leafy green vegetables. kale, collard greens, and broccoli
Fortified foods. fortified plant-based milks, orange juice, and breakfast cereals
Nuts and seeds. almonds, chia seeds, and sesame seeds
Fish with edible bones. salmon and sardines
Who cannot consume dairy or have dietary restrictions, along with calcium supplements,
calcium-fortified non-dairy alternatives, such as almond milk or soy milk, are an excellent
choice. Tuskca Calcium with vitamin D3 can be an easy option as a chewable calcium tablet. It contains no added sugar, is gluten-free, and is preferable for lactose intolerant people. Calcium citrate in Tuskca calcium makes it high in absorption and no threat of kidney stones.
Calcium deficiency can lead to a range of health issues that can significantly affect the
quality of life for seniors. As seniors age, many strive to maintain an independent lifestyle.
One of the factors that can contribute to preserving mobility and independence is
maintaining strong bones and muscles. Calcium supplementation, along with other health
strategies, can help older adults stay active and reduce the risk of falls and fractures. This
can allow them to continue living in their homes and avoid unnecessary dependency on
others.
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