New Curtin University research has revealed concerning gaps in osteoporosis awareness among older Australians, particularly around the exercises that can strengthen bones and reduce the risk of falls.
The study involved more than 1,400 Australians aged 50 and over, who recorded an average score of just 29.5 out of 100 in a test of bone health knowledge.
Osteoporosis causes bones to become weaker and more likely to break, but it can remain undetected until a fracture occurs.
Exercise emerged as one of the biggest areas of misunderstanding. More than half of participants could not identify exercises such as resistance training that may help prevent osteoporosis, while more than one-third did not know which exercises could improve balance and reduce falls.
Lead author Phuong Dung Lam, from Curtin University’s School of Population Health, said osteoporosis was not a major health priority for many older Australians.
“People know that being active and eating well is important for their health, but they may not realise how important it is to protect their bones,” Ms Lam said.
Only 18 per cent of participants said they paid close attention to reducing their osteoporosis risk, despite 30 per cent of women and 13 per cent of men reporting a family history of the condition.
“We need to correct common misunderstandings about bone health and give people clear information about the simple things they can do to reduce their risk,” Ms Lam said.
Men were more than twice as likely as women to have limited osteoporosis knowledge. Older participants, people with lower levels of education and those without a family history of the condition were also more likely to have lower awareness.
Senior author Professor Deborah Kerr, also from Curtin’s School of Population Health, said osteoporosis prevention should become a greater part of healthy ageing.
“Osteoporosis can go unnoticed until someone breaks a bone, so it is easy to put it out of mind,” Professor Kerr said.
“The most important thing a person can do is know their risk. Genetics plays a big part – do they have a parent or grandparent with osteoporosis?
“We need to help people understand they need to look after their bones before it’s too late. Breaking a bone is a serious medical event, but there are changes they can start making to reduce their risk.”
The research also found osteoporosis ranked well below conditions such as cancer and being overweight among participants’ health concerns. Only 4.5 per cent listed osteoporosis as their greatest concern, while just one per cent nominated hip fractures.
Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA chief executive Ric Forlano said the findings highlighted the importance of providing clear and practical advice.
“This research reinforces what we see every day: many people do not think about osteoporosis until after a fracture, but there are practical steps people can take earlier to support stronger bones and reduce their risk of falls,” Mr Forlano said.
“Exercise programs that build strength, improve balance and are tailored to a person’s ability can make a real difference. We encourage older Western Australians to seek trusted information and speak with their healthcare team about safe ways to maintain bone and muscle health.”
The study involved 1,432 Australians aged 50 and over. Knowledge, intentions and attitudes towards osteoporosis and other health conditions among older Australians was published in the journal Bone.