It stinks to have a broken bone, to put it bluntly, and the idea that you have a condition that makes fractures more likely is not a pleasant thought. But as scary as that idea is, and as comforting as staying swaddled up in a soft blanket for the rest of your life might seem, the more appropriate course of action is to take some calculated (and really very safe) risks. You know that exercise has a general protective effect, so work with your doctor to identify activities that you like to do that will lead you to those same protective effects. But also talk to your doctor about finding classes that specialize in fall protection.

It's Already Being Done Overseas

A couple of countries, the UK and the Netherlands, have seen an increase in people wanting more information about how to prevent falling and how to move more confidently when they are elderly. The Netherlands has started offering classes in movement and falling, while a parkour school in the UK has created a movement class specifically for older people, for those who may not want to fly over urban obstacles but who would like to have a better understanding of how to turn a potential fall into a confident straightening up.

Martial Arts May Also Help

You may also want to ask about a couple of different aspects of martial arts, especially if you can't find classes similar to those offered in the Netherlands or the UK. Tai chi has long been thought to help prevent falls, which are a danger to anyone but especially to those with osteoporosis. This gentle, "soft" form of martial arts is offered in most cities. There are different styles of tai chi, with Yang being the most common.

If your doctor approves, you may want to work with a martial arts coach who can teach you how to fall. Regular martial arts classes might not be in the cards for you, depending on how vigorous they are and how severe your osteoporosis is, but classes geared specifically to seniors or special classes that focus on falling protection may work. Again, this can be kind of rough and may not be that suitable in severe cases (and the classes must provide proper protection during training), but it doesn't hurt to find out all your options. This may be easier to arrange in larger cities, but it's worth asking about at senior centers and physical therapy centers, with the blessing of your doctor.

Working out, strength training, are walking are all great exercises to do. But finding classes that teach you more confidence regarding moving around obstacles and protecting yourself if you fall also play a role in keeping you safe. It's a scary thing, thinking about moving when you've just been through physical trauma, but you have to do it. It will improve your life. For more information, talk to companies like Radius.