One in four women over 50 suffers from osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a silent disease that affects more than three million people in Spain, women being the most vulnerable group: one in four women over 50 years suffers from it. As a result of population aging, it is estimated that in 2030 will be reached 420,000 bone fractures due to annual fragility, which will mean an increase in 30% regarding current affairs and an important challenge for the Spanish health system.

These fractures imply prolonged hospitalizations, loss of autonomy and a high cost of care, both for medical care and for rehabilitation and aftercare. Besides, fracture recurrence in undiagnosed or untreated patients, it aggravates the burden on the system and highlights the need to improve prevention, early diagnosis and monitoring of the disease.

On the occasion of World Osteoporosis Day, the Spanish Society for Bone Research and Mineral Metabolism (SEIOMM), the Spanish Association of Patients with Osteoporosis (AECOS) and the Hispanic Foundation for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases (FHOEMO), with the collaboration of the biopharmaceutical company UCB and the biotechnology company Amgen, have organized a awareness day under the motto Strengthen is with the aim of giving visibility to osteoporosis and its consequences on the quality of life of people who suffer from it. Fractures and second fragility fractures are already the fourth chronic disease with the greatest impact in Spain.

The act has combined information, awareness and practical experienceincluding a session of bone-healthy exercises adapted to the needs of people with osteoporosis, was attended by the Dr. Pilar Aguadorheumatologist at Hospital La Paz and member of the board of directors of SEIOMM; Rachel Sanchezosteoporosis patient and member of AECOS; and Beatriz Sotoosteoporosis patient, patron and secretary of FHOEMO.

The importance of physical activity

Dr. Aguado has indicated that “any physical activity adapted to the needs of people who suffer from osteoporosis contributes to strengthening bonesimprove balance and prevent falls. Various studies have shown that physical exercise not only promotes mobility and autonomy, but also reduces the risk of bone fractures and refractures. For example, a meta-analysis of 2020 revealed that exercise intervention reduces the risk of fall-related fractures in older adults by a 26%”.

During the meeting, the voices of the patients have reinforced the importance of a comprehensive approach. Beatriz Soto has highlighted that “Osteoporosis not only affects the bones, but also affects our daily lives.”. Support from the environment and at a psychological level, from professionals, is essential to mitigate the loneliness and incomprehension we feel when faced with an early diagnosis.”

For its part, Rachel Sanchez He added that “people who have already suffered a bone fracture live with the constant worry of suffering a new fracture, which is why we need accurate information, support and practical tools to manage our disease. and that health authorities and professionals focus on preventing refractures, which can make the difference between maintaining our independence or depending on others.”

These fractures not only limit mobility, but can generate anxiety, fear of falling, dependency and emotional problems. Each new fracture increases the risk of medical complications and impacts the quality of life and autonomy of patients, underscoring the need for early and effective interventions.

Fracture Units (FLS) are presented as a fundamental care model for the prevention of refractures, offering a multidisciplinary approach that includes identification, diagnosis, treatment and long-term follow-up. Only the 15% of hospitals in Spain have these units, which shows the need for their expansion to improve care and reduce the incidence of new fractures.