New Curtin University research has found a concerning lack of knowledge about osteoporosis among older Australians, with many unaware of the exercises that can protect their bones and reduce their risk of falls.
A Curtin University study of more than 1,400 Australians aged 50 and over has found people have a surprisingly low level of knowledge about osteoporosis - a condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break - scoring just 29.5 out of 100 in a test of bone health knowledge.
The biggest gaps were around exercise, with more than half of participants unable to identify the specific types of exercises, such as resistance training, that can help prevent osteoporosis.
More than one-third also could not identify what type of exercise can improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
Lead author Phuong Dung Lam, from Curtin's School of Population Health, said osteoporosis was not high on the list of health concerns 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 people in our study said they paid a lot of attention to reducing their risk of osteoporosis despite 30% or women and 13% of men reporting a family history of osteoporosis.
"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."
The study found men were more than twice as likely as women to have low osteoporosis knowledge.
People who were older, had lower levels of education or did not have a family history of osteoporosis were also more likely to have lower knowledge, highlighting groups that may benefit from more targeted bone health education.
Senior author Professor Deborah Kerr, also from Curtin's School of Population Health, said the findings showed osteoporosis prevention needed to be made a bigger 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 doing to reduce their risk."
The study also found osteoporosis was a much lower concern for participants compared to conditions such as cancer and being overweight.
Only 4.5 per cent ranked osteoporosis as their biggest health concern, while just one per cent ranked hip fracture as their biggest worry.
The researchers said this low level of concern, combined with gaps in knowledge, showed the need for clearer and more targeted public health messages about bone health.
Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA Chief Executive Officer Ric Forlano welcomed the findings, saying they highlighted the need for clearer, practical education to help older Australians protect their bone health.
"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 Australian adults aged 50 and over.
'Knowledge, intentions and attitudes towards osteoporosis and other health conditions among older Australians' was published in the journal Bone.
