Urgent need for action over poor bone health

A new report released in advance of World Osteoporosis Day on October 20 has revealed 6.2 million or 67 per cent of Australians aged 50-plus are living with poor bone health, a 34 per cent increase from 2012 report.

This is projected to increase to 7.7 million living with osteopenia (low bone density) or osteoporosis by 2033.

The report and its key findings was recently launched by Healthy Bones Australia as part of their 2023 national burden of disease report.

Other findings revealed a fracture was sustained every 2.7 minutes in Australia resulting in more than 193,000 fractures, the total cost of osteopenia and osteoporosis equated to $4.8B and estimated to climb over the coming decade to $8.3B and fractures represented the highest cost associated with osteoporosis and osteopenia.

According to Healthy Bones Australia Chair Professor Peter Ebeling the new burden of disease report offered concerning future projections, while reinforcing the urgent need for action from policy makers, healthcare professionals, and the community alike.

“Currently, more than two-in-three Australians over 50 years of age are living with poor bone health; 77 per cent of whom have osteopenia; and 23 per cent osteoporosis – figures projected to increase by 23 per cent over the next 10 years,” he said.

“Moreover, a staggering 2.1 million fractures due to osteoporosis are estimated to occur over the next decade – representing one fracture every 30 seconds by 2033.

“If our current disease prevention, management, and treatment strategies remain on the same trajectory over the next decade, the total cost of osteopenia and osteoporosis will reach an estimated $67.9B, including ambulance, hospital, rehabilitation, aged care, community care, and community services.

“While extremely concerning, this situation can be prevented if we take action now, by investing in our population’s bone health.”

Retired business consultant, Carole David, 70, of Glenning Valley, was diagnosed with osteopenia just after her 50th birthday.

The news came as a huge shock as she had long subscribed to a healthy diet and exercise.

David has since sustained multiple bone fractures, including excruciating fractures in her lower spine, resulting in a loss of nine centimetres in height, and creates difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time.

She spent the ensuing 10 years moving in and out of hospital emergency departments after fracturing multiple bones, including her wrist, ribs, sternum, feet, and ankles – each of which was treated as an individual break.

“You just don’t realise, or recognise, the damage that fractures can cause until they occur,” David said.

“Living with pain caused by permanent damage to your spine, changes your life.

“I see my specialist often now. Protecting my bones from re-fracture is my highest priority.

“My life changed dramatically because of the fractures I’ve sustained.

“Daily tasks were very difficult, such as preparing a meal, hanging out washing, or weeding the garden, as this could prove disastrous for my spine.”

Despite all that she has endured to date, had she not been diagnosed with osteoporosis when she was, her situation could have been worse.

And her most recent treatment is helping protect her bones and has given her new confidence due to the positive results.

She is now a strong advocate for educating health professionals to make bone health a priority.

She also supports greater community awareness of osteoporosis prevention and better access to osteoporosis treatments.

“It’s time that people took their bone health very seriously and recognised that by taking action sooner rather than later, painful fractures may be avoided,” she said.

“Bone Health must become a higher priority for doctors and the community at large, so people are diagnosed early, and are able to avoid painful fractures.”

For more information, and to access a range of educational resources tailored to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and translated into eight languages, contact Healthy Bones Australia on 02 9518 8140 or healthybonesaustralia.org.au/.

The free helpline is 1800 242 141.