Sunlight Exposure and Vitamin D Levels in Older People-An Intervention Study in Swedish Nursing Homes

Objectives Older people are recommended to take oral vitamin D supplements, but the main source of vitamin D is sunlight. Our aim was to explore whether active encouragement to spend time outdoors could increase the levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and increase the mental well-being of nursing home residents. Design A cluster randomized intervention trial. Setting Nursing homes in southern Sweden. Participants In total 40 people &amp;gt;65 years. Intervention The intervention group was encouraged to go outside for 20-30 minutes between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. every day for two months during the summer of 2018. Measurements We analyzed serum 25(OH)D before and after the summer. Data from SF-36 questionnaires measuring vitality and mental health were used for the analyses. Results In the intervention group, the baseline median (interquartile range (IQR)) of serum 25(OH)D was 42.5 (23.0) nmol/l and in the control group it was 52.0 (36.0) nmol/l. In the intervention group, the 25(OH)D levels increased significantly during the summer (p=0.011). In the control group, there was no significant change. The intervention group reported better self-perceived mental health after the summer compared to before the summer (p=0.015). In the control group, there was no difference in mental health. Conclusion Active encouragement to spend time outdoors during summertime improved the levels of serum 25(OH)D and self-perceived mental health significantly in older people in nursing homes and could complement or replace oral vitamin D supplementation in the summer.Funding Agencies|Futurum, Jonkoping County Region</p

Management of osteoporosis in the elderly.

ABSTRACT Background: Osteoporosis is predominantly a condition of the elderly, and the median age for hip fracture in women is approximately 83 years. Osteoporotic fracture risk is multifactorial, and often involves the balance between bone strength and propensity for falling. Objective: To present an overview of the available evidence, located primarily by Medline searches up to April, 2009, for the different management strategies aimed at reducing the risk of falls and osteoporotic fractures in the elderly. Results: Frailty is an independent predictor of falls, hip fractures, hospitalisation, disability and death in the elderly that is receiving increasing attention. Non-pharmacological strategies to reduce fall risk can prevent osteoporotic fractures. Exercise programmes, especially those involving high doses of exercise and incorporating balance training, have been shown to be effective. Many older people, especially the very elderly and those living in care institutions, have vitamin D inadequacy. In appropriate patients and given in sufficient doses, vitamin D and calcium supplementation is effective in reducing both falls and osteoporotic fractures, including hip fractures. Specific anti-osteoporosis drugs are underused, even in those most at risk of osteoporotic fracture. The evidence base for the efficacy of most such drugs in the elderly is incomplete, particularly with regard to nonvertebral and hip fractures. The evidence base is perhaps most complete for the relatively recently introduced drug, strontium ranelate. Non-adherence to treatment is a substantial problem, and may be exacerbated by the requirements for safe oral administration of bisphosphonates. Conclusion: Evidence-based strategies are available for reducing osteoporotic fracture risk in the elderly, and include exercise training, vitamin D and calcium supplementation, and use of evidence-based anti-osteoporotic drugs. A positive and determined approach to optimising the use of such strategies could reduce the burden of osteoporotic fractures in this high-risk group