In association with the Irish Osteoporosis Society, organised by Amgen
Do you know about osteoporosis?
We all want to see our mothers, grandmothers, aunts living their best lives, especially as they age.
Osteoporosis is a silent condition that affects more women than men, particularly those aged 65+, so it’s time we all had a chat about it.
Osteoporosis affects your bones, causing them to become weaker so they break very easily.
75% of broken bones due to osteoporosis happen in people aged 65+.
The good news is, it's treatable for the majority of people which makes early detection key.
That's why it's important that we chat with the women in our lives about their bone health.
The more we chat, the more we can break the silence and help women to keep living their lives to the fullest.
Are there any risk factors?
There are a number of risk factors to be aware of.
Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men as they age partly due to hormone changes, especially after menopause.
If there's a family history of osteoporosis, your risk is usually much higher – especially if a parent has suffered a broken hip.
Taking in an excess of alcohol, fibre or caffeine can also increase your risk, as does smoking and physical inactivity.
Fortunately, there are many ways to be proactive about bone health. If you are aged 65+, you can get in touch with your GP or you can visit www.irishosteoporosis.ie for more information.
Who should we talk with about this?
We recommend chatting with all the women in your life - your mother, your grandmother, your aunt – about osteoporosis and empowering them to take control of their bone health.
Starting a conversation now about bone health can help your loved ones to reduce their risks of bone loss. If bone loss is occurring, a conversation can help them recognise the need to seek a diagnosis and manage their condition, preventing possible broken bones and ensuring they can continue to live vibrant, independent lives.
So let's break the silence. It's time for all of us to talk about osteoporosis and make it a priority so we can protect the women in our lives.
Encourage the women you love to prioritise their bone health in the same way as other health checks and make it a part of their medical calendar.
For more information about osteoporosis, visit your local GP or www.irishosteoporosis.ie.
All stats and data taken from Irish Osteoporosis Society.
IRL-NP-0424-80003
May 2024
