What can I do now (I'm 25) to avoid being all hunched over, like both my grandmas are, when I grow older?

Answer 1

If you are talking about your grandmothers having osteoporosis, posture isn't nearly as important as making sure you get enough calcium and doing weight bearing exercises. Having a tendency toward osteoporosis on both sides of your family means that you probably have predisposing genetic conditions. It is very important that you start working to avoid these problems later.

Weight bearing exercises put increased pressure on your bones, so your body deposits more calcium into them to keep them strong. It also increases the blood flow to your bones, giving them the oxygen and nutrients they need. Remember, even though your grandmothers have the obvious kyphosis of the spine, they probably have bone loss throughout their bodies... so you need a total body workout with weights!

Some communities have free bone density scans at local hospitals. You might want to see if you can get one, in order to have a good comparison point for scans when you get older. Everyone loses some bone as they age, however, you will want to know if you have excessive loss and how healthy your bones were to begin with.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Make sure U get UR daily requirement of Calcium.
Try Pilates, Yoga Or any low Impact Contact Sport, Judo etc, 2 keep UR body limbered up.
Contact a Osteopath 2 guide U in the correct posture & tricks 2 remember 2 keep UR back straight.
My Mum has a Dowagers Hump & hates it the advice above is what she told me.
Try 2 stay positive & accept U can do UR best 2 avoid the Hump sooner rather than later.
I've been warned that the Menopause will/can make things worse not that U really need worry about that yet, but fore-warned is fore-armed.
:)

Answer 3

Well, sit up straight. Grandmas being hunched over is osteoporosis. I guess just get enough calcium. You should talk to your doctor about it, and they can help you. You could probably just look up "Osteoporosis" on the internet and get some good information. Here is a good site:
http://www.nof.org/prevention/index.htm

Answer 4

Sit up straight, stand tall and remind yourself to practice good posture. If you slump at your desk or on the couch, it will be bad for you. Think of this: you don't want to become a capital C, so don't round your shoulders or stoop. Pull the shoulders back (gently). When you walk, look ahead (not looking at the ground).

Do some stretching exercises. That will help. I am attaching a good site for women's stretching exercises.

The next you see your doctor, ask about taking calcium supplements and Vitamin D.

Good luck! You're right to be concerned, even at your young age.

Answer 5

As a physician, I advise staying active, a good diet with plenty of calcium (and iron as many women are slightly anemic) and a mild suntan. Your grandmothers could have avoided being hunched over with the advice I have just given you...but they still need to keep up with their health as they probably have osteoporosis...a thinning and weakening of bones....suggest they go to their own doctors and they may need hormonal treatment...they should do it.

Answer 6

proper posture has little to do with it. hunching is caused by micro-fractures in spine that compresses the spine together in post-menopausal women,and even some men.a tendancy to get osteoporosis can be inherited.talk to dr. about calcium intake and supplements,stay active,and do weight training excercises starting now,to strengthen muscles that support bones-stressing the muscles helps the bones to build.dont drink too much soda,it disrupts calcium balance in body.when u are older,drugs such as fosamax-and no doubt even better drugs will be developed by then--will help.number 1---strength training throughout life !!!! good luck,have fun with excercise !!!

Answer 7

Most likely your grandmothers had/have Osteoporosis, which is the gradual degeneration of bone density--AKA--your bones are wasting away. You can help reduce the risk of developing this by increasing your excercise now, eating a well balanced diet high in calcium, and taking care of yourself. Make sure you see the doctor regularly and make sure that they know your concerns. Good luck.

Answer 8

agreed--your grandma's had Osteoperosis, they're not slumping like that from bad posture. Would definitely be worth a trip to the doctor for a professional opinion if both of them have it. but making sure you get plenty of calcium is a good idea, too.

Answer 9

Posture is good. Taking up Yoga would be better. Do not smoke. Do not drink too much.

And be happy. Worrying alone can hunch you over, or bunch you up.

Answer 10

There's nothing you can do to prevent it, it's genetic. Try and find some clothes that help cover your hunch. You can wear an empty back pack to help with the look also. I also suggest moving to Notre Dame.