Osteoporosis is often called a “silent condition” because bone loss occurs gradually, often without symptoms until a fracture happens.

However, the research is clear — osteoporosis is a major global health issue, and its impact is increasing as populations age.

Globally, osteoporosis affects around 10% of the population, and up to 30% of postmenopausal women (Ozmen et al, 2024). In Australia alone, over 1 million people are affected, with poor bone health contributing to more than 183,000 fractures per year (Healthy Bones Australia, 2026).

Understanding how and why this occurs is key to preventing long-term decline.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is characterised by:
• Reduced bone mineral density (BMD)
• Deterioration of bone structure
• Increased fragility and fracture risk 

As bone becomes less dense, it also becomes more porous — meaning even low-impact events, such as a fall from standing height, can result in fractures.

• Common fracture sites include:
  • Hip
  • Spine
  • Wrist

These injuries are strongly associated with reduced independence and long-term disability.

(AIHW, 2026)

Bone Density Declines with Age

Bone is a dynamic tissue that is constantly being broken down and rebuilt.

• Peak bone mass occurs in early adulthood
• From around 35 years onwards, bone breakdown exceeds formation
• Bone density declines progressively with age
• This decline accelerates later in life, particularly due to hormonal changes and reduced physical loading.

Bone density peaks early in life and declines with age — increasing fracture risk over time.

(AIHW, 2026)

Osteoporosis is a Growing Health Burden

Osteoporosis is not just a bone condition — it is a major contributor to disease burden.

• Data shows:
  • The burden of disease related to low bone density has nearly doubled over the past 30 years (Shen et al, 2022)
  • Around 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over 50 will experience an osteoporotic fracture (International Osteoporosis Foundation, 2026)

These figures highlight that osteoporosis is a significant contributor to disability and healthcare demand.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis develops due to a combination of factors.

Non-modifiable:

• Age
  • Female sex
  • Genetics
  • Hormonal changes (e.g. menopause)

Modifiable:

• Low physical activity
  • Poor nutrition (calcium/vitamin D deficiency)
  • Smoking
  • Excess alcohol
  • Low body weight
  • Certain medications

Research shows that lifestyle factors — particularly  exercise and nutrition — play a significant role in bone health and disease progression.

(AIHW, 2026)

(Li et al, 2023)

Why Strength and Movement Matter

Bone responds to the loads placed on it.

• Without sufficient loading:
  • Bone density declines faster
  • Muscle strength decrease
  • Falls risk increases
• With appropriate loading:
  • Bone formation is stimulated
  • Strength improves
  • Fracture risk is reduced

This relationship highlights why exercise is one of the most effective tools for maintaining bone health.

(Li et al, 2023)

Exercise Can Slow Bone Loss

Research consistently shows that weight-bearing and resistance training can:
• Maintain or improve bone density
• Increase muscle strength
• Reduce falls risk

Targeted exercise can slow bone loss and improve overall physical function.

(AIHW, 2026)

Falls + Fractures = The Real Risk

Osteoporosis alone doesn’t cause symptoms — fractures do.

And fractures often occur due to falls, not just bone weakness.

Research shows a strong relationship between:

• Reduced strength
• Poor balance
• Increased fracture riskThis is why management must go beyond bone density alone. It requires improving:

(Li et al, 2023)

Support for Older Adults at Pontifex Physiotherapy

At Pontifex Physiotherapy, we take a proactive approach to bone health and fracture prevention.

• Our Senior Screening assessments help identify early risk factors such as:
  • Reduced strength
  • Poor balance
  • Limited mobility
• From here, our Strength and Conditioning programs focus on:
  • Safe resistance training
  • Weight-bearing exercise
  • Balance and falls prevention
  • Long-term progression

These programs align with current research showing that structured exercise is essential for maintaining bone and physical capacity with age.

It’s Never Too Early — or Too Late

Bone health is influenced across the entire lifespan:

• Early life → build bone density
• Adulthood → maintain
• Later life → slow decline and prevent fractures

Even in older adults, targeted exercise can:

• Improve strength
• Reduce falls risk
• Support independence

Take Home Message

Osteoporosis is common — but it is not inevitable.

Research clearly shows that:

• Bone density declines with age
• Fracture risk increases significantly over time
• Exercise plays a critical role in prevention and management

Maintaining strength, mobility and bone health requires consistent effort and structured training.

If you would like support managing bone health or reducing your risk of falls and fractures, speak to our team about our Senior Screening and Strength & Conditioning programs.

(AIHW, 2026)

About Osteoporosis – Healthy Bones Australia (2024) Healthy Bones Australia. Available at: https://healthybonesaustralia.org.au/your-bone-health/about-osteoporosis/?utm_source=chatgpt.com.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2026) Osteoporosis and minimal trauma fractures, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/osteoporosis.

Epidemiology of osteoporosis and fragility fractures | International Osteoporosis Foundation (2024) Osteoporosis.foundation. Available at: https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/facts-statistics/epidemiology-of-osteoporosis-and-fragility-fractures?utm_source=chatgpt.com.

Li, H. et al. (2023) ‘Risk factors of osteoporosis in elderly inpatients: A cross-sectional single-centre study.’, 4, pp. 1126172–1126172. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fragi.2023.1126172.

Samican Özmen et al. (2024) ‘Prevalence and Risk Factors of Osteoporosis: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Center’, Medicina, 60(12), pp. 2109–2109. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60122109.

Shen, Y. et al. (2022) ‘The Global Burden of Osteoporosis, Low Bone Mass, and Its Related Fracture in 204 Countries and Territories, 1990-2019’, Frontiers in Endocrinology, 13(13). Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.882241.