Bra recommenations for elderly (but very active) woman with Osteoporosis

[Maryhowdoesyourgardengrow]

My mum, in her mid-80s, has Osteoporosis making it difficult for her to fasten a new bra around her back. I also bought her a M&S front-fastening one (in the same size) but that did not work either - probably because of her spine.
Any suggestions for an alternative fitting bra, or tips on sizing please would be really appreciated. My mother still wants to wear a well-supporting, high-quality feminine bra as she is still very active, hard-working and sociable. Hoping that this being such a common medical problem someone with similar experience might have some suggestions. Thank you

Thanks.

Hi @Maryhowdoesyourgardengrow, we're just giving your thread a bump in case anyone's around who can help.

What didn't work about the bra you got? It might be good to measure her using Boob or Bust as a starting point (though I'd sister size the band up) as most older ladies wear a bra completely the wrong size in the cup.
Is the osteoporosis an issue in terms of pain of the fastening on her back, reaching round, or spine curvature?

Really glad you've started this thread I need to take my Mum shopping as she has such arthritis in her shoulders. I was planning on contacting Bravissimo in the New Year to see if they could advise.

Your post has nudged me into action @Maryhowdoesyourgardengrow, I asked Bravissimo for ideas for my Mum and they suggested the Fantaisie label, for osteoporosis they basically suggested front fastening again.

A Google search yielded this,

Sorry I was trying to paste not post! This is the link, front fastening again but velcro this time. Hope you find something that suits your Mum, off to do a bit more digging for mine.

www.theablelabel.com/collections/the-royal-osteoporosis-society-adaptive-clothing/bras

This is great information, my mum also has osteoporosis and struggles greatly with her shoulder, so she’d be very interested in this

@CMOTDibbler

What didn't work about the bra you got? It might be good to measure her using Boob or Bust as a starting point (though I'd sister size the band up) as most older ladies wear a bra completely the wrong size in the cup. Is the osteoporosis an issue in terms of pain of the fastening on her back, reaching round, or spine curvature?

@CMOTDibbler Thank you. I think there was a problem with the band that is fitted underneath the front-fastening being too tight for her spine curvature. I am not in the same country. I bought it online and posted it to her and other family members helped her with it so this chat is just trying to figure out the next step. Her osteoporosis affected her with reaching round to her back owing to the spine curvature and also having the strength in her arms/body to fasten it up. However these front-fastening bras although good for after an operation etc not sure if they work for her needs. I will visit soon and measure her then and figure it out. Thanks again

If she isn't too full busted, then a secret support vest sounds like it would be better then - the M&S ones are very easy to get on (I step in as its much easier with very restricted movement in one arm)and the straps are nice and stretchy so easy to get your arms in. They are soft elastic in the band so should be comfy over her back.

I haven't tried crop tops like this, but they might well go on in the same way, or a similar style pull on where the straps are too tight to pull over might easily be adapted with a nursing bra clip (which sounds a weird suggestion but should work perfectly for the job.
Depending on her shoulder mobility/ hand strength, a bralette without back fastening and non racer back might also work. The Flexifit M&S ones are very soft and stretchy. If you can afford to do a shop with a few sizes and shapes to take with you and then try on and return when you get back its probably the best route