Help urged to keep bones healthy

Healthy Bones Australia has teamed with an Olympian, doctors, politicians, and patients to launch key findings from their national burden of disease report.

The new report, “Osteoporosis and fractures in Australia. A burden of disease analysis 2023-2033” was released on Thursday last week ahead of World Osteoporosis Day on Sunday, October 20.

It reveals:

• 2 million (67 per cent) Australians aged 50 and older are living with poor bone health – a 34 per cent increase from 2012 report, and projected to increase to 7.7 million living with osteopenia or osteoporosis by 2033
• In 2023, 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 $4.8 billion in 2023 and is estimated to climb over the coming decade to $8.3 billion in 2033, and
• Fractures represent the highest cost associated with osteoporosis and osteopenia.

According to Healthy Bones Australia chair Professor Peter Ebeling, the new burden of disease report offers 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,” Professor Ebeling 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 AUD 67.9 billion, 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.”

Olympic gold medallist and Healthy Bones Australia “Know Your Bones” ambassador Sally Pearson said the new report highlighted the need for community understanding of their fracture risk.

“As Ambassador for the organisation’s flagship prevention and awareness program, ‘Know Your Bones’, I’m delighted to advise more than 115,000 Australians have completed the Know Your Bones risk assessment to date.

“Based on today’s report, we hope to see these numbers grow.

“I encourage every Australian to take an easy first step and complete this online self-assessment.”

Healthy Bones Australia chief executive officer Greg Lyubomirsky said his organisation urged the federal government to enhance its commitment to bone health.

“We require further financial support to effectively reach at-risk populations nation-wide, without which, the alarming predictions in this report could prove a harsh reality for many.

“Working together, we can reduce the significant burden of osteoporosis and fractures on the healthcare system, and the community at large. Fractures are costly, reduce quality of life, and in severe cases can be fatal.”

For more information, phone 02 9518 8140 or head to healthybonesaustralia.org.au