Importance of Raising Awareness in People in Charge of Old Age Homes About Metabolic Bone Diseases and Their Prevention for the Elderly

Abstract

Introduction: vitamin deficiency, lack of sun exposure, and a sedentary lifestyle are factors that make the elderly susceptibleto comorbidities, such as metabolic bone diseases. Thus, people in charge of nursing homes must be aware of such habits infavor of a better quality of life for the elderly. The present study aimed to analyze the habits adopted by nursing homes inRibeirão Preto, state of São Paulo, as well as to bring knowledge to professionals about the importance of maintaining suchhabits for a healthy life.Methods and Results: when administering questionnaires to those in charge about the institutional habits, together with the explanation of an informative folder, it was noticeable that concerning food and exposure to sunlight, most homes were doing very well, with some divergences just in terms of physical exercise. However, in the promotion of knowledge about the prevention of metabolic bone diseases, both for those in charge and for the residents, the result was not satisfactory.Conclusion: in this way, it was possible to study the knowledge of the team involved on this subject and especially to make them aware of the importance of maintaining such habits for a good quality of life for the elderly.