World Osteoporosis Day 20th October

Every year on October 20, people around the globe mark World Osteoporosis Day. A day dedicated to shining a light on bone health, osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. 

This year’s theme “It’s Unacceptable!”, highlights the ongoing gaps in osteoporosis care and calls for urgent action to make fracture prevention a global health priority.

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” you may not know your bones are weakening until a fracture occurs. Yet many of its risk factors and consequences are preventable or manageable. On this World Osteoporosis Day, let’s explore the facts, dispel myths and commit to stronger bones for life.

Why Bone Health Matters (and Why It’s Often Overlooked)

• Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures, even with minor falls or stress.
• Globally, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture.
• Fragility fractures (especially hip, spine, and wrist) can lead to pain, disability, loss of independence and reduced quality of life.
• Yet, many people never know they are at risk until a fracture happens. There’s a strong need for greater awareness, early screening and access to care.

What “It’s Unacceptable” Means

The “It’s Unacceptable!” theme underscores that:

• It’s unacceptable that so many patients with osteoporosis never receive optimal care or fracture-prevention support.
• It’s unacceptable that many health systems do not prioritise bone health in policies or funding.
• It’s unacceptable that people worldwide lack access to bone health education, screening and treatment.

By raising awareness and building momentum, the campaign hopes to shift osteoporosis from a neglected disease to a visible public health priority.

What We Can Do: 5 Strategies to Build & Protect Strong Bones

• Know your risk & get screened
• Many national and regional health bodies offer osteoporosis risk assessment tools and may recommend a DXA (bone density) scan for people at risk.
• On the World Osteoporosis Day site, you can take a risk check and explore resources.

• Nutrition matters
• Ensure adequate intake of calcium through foods like dairy, leafy greens, nuts, and fortified products.
• Vitamin D is critical for calcium absorption; get safe sun exposure and consider supplementation if needed (as advised by your doctor).

• Exercise smartly
• Focus on weight-bearing, resistance, and impact exercises (as tolerated) walking, strength training, dancing, etc.
• Avoid exercises with high risk of spinal twisting or excessive bending, especially for those already diagnosed.

• Lifestyle habits
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Maintain a healthy body weight being underweight increases bone loss risk.
• Ensure fall prevention strategies (home safety, balance training, vision checks).

• Advocate, support, and share
• Sign the IOF Global Patient Charter via the worldosteoporosisday.org Get Involved page, to raise the standard of osteoporosis care globally.
• Share your story or support someone who has lived experience.
• Use and share the free toolkits, banners, infographics, and social media materials from the official site.

Call to Action

This World Osteoporosis Day, we each have a role to play:

• Educate yourself and others even a small message on social media can spark awareness.
• Support someone living with osteoporosis by listening, sharing, and championing better care.
• Take action schedule a bone health check if you’re in a risk group, adopt bone‑friendly habits, or volunteer or fundraise with local osteoporosis or bone health organisations.

Let’s turn 'It’s Unacceptable!' into meaningful change. Stronger bones lead to stronger lives.