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Annual Number of Osteoporotic Fractures in Ireland is Expected to Increase from 32,000 to 51,000 by 2034

This October it is time to empower women 65+ to prioritise their bone health and take proactive steps to prevent, diagnose and treat osteoporosis. Bone health is a key part of women’s health and women over 65 are more at risk because of the secondary effects of the menopause which can result in significant bone loss.

1 in 5 women die within 1 year following a hip fracture

Osteoporosis affects over 300,000 people in Ireland, and is called the “silent disease” because there are often no signs or symptoms prior to a person breaking (fracturing) bones. With the expected rise in our aging population, the importance of raising awareness around osteoporosis prevention and early detection has never been greater. A person can look perfectly fine on the outside but can have significant bone loss on the inside, as no one feels bone loss occurring.

Ahead of World Osteoporosis Day (October Sunday 20th), the ‘Unbreakable’ campaign is celebrating the indomitable spirit of women aged 65+. Many of these women have endured the challenges of life and emerged resilient, developing remarkable inner strength and determination. However, while their spirits may be unbreakable, their physical frames can become more fragile over time. It’s important to recognise as we age, we lose bone mass which can result in osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can cause bones to become fragile and break easily. Women at this age 65+ are at increased risk of osteoporosis.

Ambassadors Jess Redden, Linda Redden, Karl Henry and Orla Walsh are breaking the silence, and calling on daughters, sons, nieces, husbands and friends to support the women in their lives over 65, encouraging them to take control of their health by speaking to their GP or healthcare professional and finding out their bone health status.

Studies show that 1 in 5 women die within 1 year following a hip fracture. A hip fracture has a significant impact on a patient’s physical and social wellbeing, resulting in pain, reduced mobility, disability, and is one of the main reasons why older people lose their independence. Research shows that most fractures from osteoporosis are preventable[7] and the key to preventing broken bones is early detection of those most at risk.

Pharmacist and Content Creator Jess Redden is encouraging meaningful conversations about osteoporosis among women and their loved ones. ’My mum Linda is always looking out for my family and demonstrates an unbreakable spirit that is truly awe-inspiring. Her confidence, wisdom, and zest for life sets a shining example for our family. When Mum broke her arm last year, it was a wakeup call for the whole family that while her spirit may be unbreakable, her bones are not.’

 ‘As a pharmacist, we naturally would have spoken about her general health, but it wasn’t until her break that the importance of her bone health and the risk of osteoporosis became apparent. It’s important to have these conversations and encourage your loved ones to speak to their GP or healthcare professional about the risks of osteoporosis and how they can maintain their bone health as they age.’’

In some cases, osteoporosis can be preventable. Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise influence how healthy your bones are. Dietician Orla Walsh highlights the importance of nutrition in protecting bone health.

’Diet plays a major role in ensuring healthy bones and it’s important to feed your bones enough of the nutrients they need, and to do it consistently. A balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D and protein is crucial for maintaining strong bones, especially as we age. Simple changes like including more dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and fortified foods can make a huge difference. It is important for people to know that a change in diet alone is not recommended to treat bone loss. It is recommended that they visit their GP to discuss what risk factors they have for bone loss and have a bone plan put in place to help prevent breaking bones’’.

Exercise helps keep bones strong and healthy throughout your life and they get stronger when you use them. Exercise reduces the rate of bone loss and conserves bone tissue, lowering the risk of fractures. Certain types of exercise strengthen muscles and bones, and other types can improve balance, which can help prevent falls.

‘’Staying active is key to preventing osteoporosis’, says Personal Trainer and bestselling author Karl Henry. Strength training and resistance exercises help build muscle mass and strengthen bones. Simple exercises like walking, low-impact aerobics, light weightlifting and even gardening can be highly effective in maintaining bone health, and improving balance, so you’re less likely to slip, trip or fall. It’s never too late to start incorporating movement into your routine to protect your bones and live an active life, even a small amount of exercise could slow down the loss of bone strength. Before you start any form of exercise, you should be individually assessed by a healthcare professional, to see what stretches and exercises are safe for you to do.’’

Women aged 65 and over are urged to visit their GP to discuss their bone health and book a DXA scan. A DXA is a low-dose X-ray to see how dense or strong your bones are.

This campaign is organised and funded by Amgen.

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