Fractures related to poor bone health contribute significantly to premature mortality, particularly among Australians over 50. The numbers tell a powerful story.
Prevalence:
- Around 6.2 million Australians over 50 are affected by poor bone health (osteoporosis or osteopenia).
- In 2022, it was estimated that two in three Australians over 50 had either osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Fracture Risk:
- One in three women and one in five men over 50 will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime.
- Osteoporotic fractures cause more than 165,000 hospitalisations every year in Australia.
- Fractures most commonly occur in the hip, spine, and wrist, though any bone can break.
- Fracture outcomes include reduced mobility, loss of independence, poorer quality of life, and increase risk of premature death.
Risks of Another Fracture
- After a first fracture, the risk of another doubles in women and increases up to fourfold in men.
- More than half of all subsequent fractures occur within the first two years after the initial break.
- In NSW alone, in 10 years, second fractures rose from 8,700 in 2008 to over 14,300 in 2018, with projections of a 40% increase over the next decade if no action is taken.
Premature Mortality
- Hip fracture carry one of the highest risks —20-30% of patients die within 12 months.
- Of those who survive, around 50% never regain their previous independence, often requiring long-term care.
- Alarmingly, more women die from hip fractures than from breast cancer.
Economic Impact
- The economic burden of osteoporosis—including healthcare, lost productivity, and unpaid care—is estimated at over $4.8 billion per year in Australia.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for greater investment in bone health research, prevention, and care—because fractures are not just a part of ageing; they are a major public health issue.
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