Globally, osteoporosis is the cause of 8.9 million fractures per year. Experts estimate that 200 million women around the world are affected by osteoporosis. Approximately one-tenth of women aged 60, one-fifth of women aged 70, two-fifths of women aged 80 and two-thirds of women aged 90 have osteoporosis. Worldwide, 1 in 3 women over age 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures, as will 1 in 5 men aged over 50. Just a 10% loss of bone mass can drastically increase the odds of a fracture. Vertebral fractures are twice as likely with only a 10% reduction, and the chances of hip fractures are 2.5 times greater.
Osteoporosis is more common in women, but that doesn’t mean that men cannot get it. And whilst men may be less likely to get, it is actually more dangerous in men, with a higher mortality rate. About 20-25% of hip fractures occur in men with an overall mortality rate of about 20% in the first 12 months after the fracture. 2.2 million Australians suffer from osteoporosis (roughly 10% of the total population). 11% of men and 27% of women aged 60+ have osteoporosis, and 42% of men and 51% of women have osteopenia. 7.4 billion dollars per year are spent on costs related to osteoporosis, and 1.9 billion of this are direct costs. According to Osteoporosis Australia, these numbers are even higher. 4.74 million Australians over 50 suffer from osteoporosis or osteopenia. In 2013, there was a bone fracture every 3.6 minutes (a total of 144,000 fractures). By 2022 it is estimated to be one fracture every 2.9 minutes. Over the next 10 years, the total cost of osteoporosis and associated fractures is estimated to be $33.6 billion. With statistics like these, it might seem that osteoporosis is inevitable, but it isn’t. Osteoporosis is entirely preventable if the proper steps are taken. The first way to prevent or manage osteoporosis to to adapt your diet, as osteoporosis is commonly caused by a calcium deficiency. A nutrient rich diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is a great start, which can be bolstered with calcium supplements or foods that are high in vitamin D, such as fish, mushrooms, tofu, dairy, and eggs. A diet that is rich in these foods will ensure that you are meeting recommended calcium requirements, which will make your bones stronger by increasing bone density. You should also limit your consumption of alcohol, sodium, and caffeine, as these substances are known to inhibit your body’s ability to absorb calcium. Regardless of how much calcium you consume, if you are consuming too much of these substances, your body will not be able to process that calcium properly, and it will be wasted. These do not have to be eliminated entirely, but moderation is important. Another way to manage osteoporosis is exercise. Weight bearing, strength, and resistance exercises are best for increasing bone density, and also have the additional benefit of increasing balance, which will prevent falls. You should aim for thirty to forty minutes, three days a week. If you are unsure, consult a personal trainer for the best results. Osteoporosis Australia Further Reading
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