Healthy Bones Australia and Bone-Density Scans
In Australia, organisations like Healthy Bones Australia (HBA) play a vital role in raising awareness about bone health and osteoporosis. They provide valuable resources, support, and educational materials to help individuals, especially seniors, understand the importance of bone health and preventive measures.
In October 2023, HBA and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research released the third edition of its Know Your Bones Community Risk Report. Compiling data from 104,000 respondents in Australia, the report revealed that 52 per cent of them had a fracture at some point in the past. When broken down further, evaluators found that half of the adults who had fractures were between 50 to 69 years old. Another 24 per cent of people at least 70 years old who were tested for clinical risk of osteoporosis have not undergone bone-density scans either and 87 per cent are not under any form of osteoporosis medication.
Former Olympic athlete and now-HBA ambassador Sally Pearson said the HBA/Garvan report brought back memories of how she broke her left wrist during a fall at the 2015 Golden Gala and the tedious but depressing recovery process.
“The rehabilitation process was more traumatic than the actual fracture. Thankfully, because my bones were generally quite strong, I was able to mount a successful recovery from my injury, and to win my second World Championship in 2017. This is not the case however, for many Australians living with osteoporosis. We know that too many people are suffering unnecessarily from broken bones that could have been prevented,” she said.
Promote Bone Health by Staying Active
Incorporating regular exercise is crucial, and for those diagnosed with osteoporosis, supervised workouts, alongside prescribed medication, are encouraged. Engaging in activities like brisk walking, jogging, stair climbing, and weight lifting can enhance bone density, fortify bones and muscles, thereby reducing the risk of fractures. Exercise is an effective lifestyle choice to cultivate a resilient skeleton and uphold bone strength over a lifetime.
Customise your osteoporosis exercise regimen based on your health condition. Consult a healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist, to ensure safety and efficacy. Balance-focused exercises like tai chi can enhance stability and posture, reducing the likelihood of falls, a prevalent concern among older osteoporosis patients.
Tailor your exercise routines to avoid activities that strain or twist the spine, particularly for those diagnosed with osteoporosis or who have suffered fractures. Nonetheless, supervised back-strengthening exercises are crucial for spine support.
Initiate exercise at your fitness level and gradually intensify it over time, making it a consistent part of your weekly routine.
It’s important not to be intimidated by exercise if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia. Specific exercises play a pivotal role in fortifying bone strength. Bones adapt and become more robust when subjected to impact or extra strain.
For individuals with diagnosed osteoporosis, supervised exercise by a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist is recommended, with a tailored program developed at the onset. This program should encompass a mix of recommended exercises. For those without an osteoporosis diagnosis, the same exercises are recommended to support overall bone health.
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage
Preserving bone health and preventing osteoporosis is a critical aspect of healthy ageing. Identifying the risks associated with osteoporosis ahead of retirement years is an essential step.
Retirement often entails significant expenses, prompting many retirees to carefully consider their financing options. One noteworthy solution to explore is the A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage, providing a means to access your home equity.
Through a reverse mortgage, homeowners can receive regular payments based on their home’s assessed value. These funds offer a valuable resource for achieving retirement goals, including covering medical expenses.
For further information about our equity release solutions, feel free to reach out to us at 1300 002 724 or via email at info@asagfirst.com.au. Additionally, you can use our calculator below to determine your available equity.