What Is Osteoporosis and How Does It Affect Older Adults
Quick Summary
- Osteoporosis causes bones to lose density and become fragile, increasing the risk of fractures
- Over 1.2 million Australians have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, with women most commonly affected
- The condition often has no symptoms until a fracture occurs, earning it the name the silent disease
- Weight-bearing and resistance exercise are among the most effective ways to manage bone loss
- Older adults in Malvern and Blackburn can access accredited exercise physiology support close to home
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones progressively lose density and strength, making them more fragile and prone to fracture. According to Healthdirect Australia, over 1.2 million Australians have been diagnosed with the condition, and it becomes significantly more common after the age of 50. For older adults in Malvern, Blackburn and the surrounding Melbourne suburbs, understanding what osteoporosis is and how it affects the body is the first step toward managing it effectively.
How Osteoporosis Affects the Bones
Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and rebuilt. In younger adults this process is roughly balanced, but from around the age of 50 onwards the body begins to break down bone faster than it can replace it. Over time this leads to a reduction in bone mineral density, meaning the internal structure of the bone becomes thinner and more porous.
The most commonly affected areas are the hip, spine, wrist, upper arm and forearm. Fractures in the spine due to osteoporosis can lead to height loss, changes in posture and chronic pain. Hip fractures are among the most serious outcomes and can significantly affect independence and quality of life in older adults.
Who Is Most at Risk of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis affects both men and women, though it is more common in women, particularly after menopause when oestrogen levels drop and bone loss accelerates. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the estimated prevalence among Australians aged 50 and over is 23% of women and 6% of men.
Key risk factors include:
Being female and postmenopausal Being over the age of 50 Having a family history of osteoporosis Low calcium or vitamin D intake over many years Physical inactivity or prolonged periods of low movement Long-term use of certain medications such as corticosteroids A previous fracture from a minor injury.
To understand the role of calcium in bone health, read our guide on calcium for bone health and osteoporosis.
Why Osteoporosis Is Called the Silent Disease
Most people with osteoporosis have no symptoms until a fracture occurs. There is no pain as the bones gradually lose density, and many people only discover they have the condition after breaking a bone from a minor fall or bump that would not ordinarily cause a fracture. This is why it is commonly referred to as the silent disease.
For a closer look at the specific symptoms to watch for, see our guide to osteoporosis symptoms in older adults.
For older adults in Malvern and Blackburn, this makes proactive bone health management particularly important. A DEXA scan, also known as a bone density test, is the most reliable way to measure bone density and identify osteoporosis or osteopenia before a fracture occurs. It is recommended that all adults aged 70 and over discuss bone density testing with their GP.
For a full explanation of what the scan involves and how to read your results, see our guide on what a DEXA scan is and what your results mean.
How Exercise Helps Manage Osteoporosis
Exercise is one of the most effective non-medical strategies for managing osteoporosis. Bone tissue responds to physical stress by stimulating bone-forming cells, a process known as bone remodelling. The types of exercise shown to be most beneficial for bone health include:
Weight-bearing exercise such as walking, stair climbing and gentle hiking, which applies load through the skeleton and encourages bones to maintain their strength.
Progressive resistance training such as lifting weights or using resistance bands, which has been shown to improve bone density in the hips and spine.
Balance and stability training, which reduces the risk of falls and therefore reduces the risk of fractures, one of the most serious consequences of osteoporosis. Supervised work to improve balance and stability is a key part of protecting fragile bones.
Not all exercises are equally safe or effective for people with osteoporosis. Movements involving rapid twisting, deep forward bending of the spine or high impact should generally be avoided without professional guidance. Working with an accredited exercise physiologist ensures that the exercise program is both safe and targeted to your specific bone density level and health history.
For a detailed breakdown of which exercises work best, see our guide to the best exercises for osteoporosis in older adults.
Exercise Physiology for Osteoporosis in Malvern and Blackburn
Summit Health Group’s Malvern and Blackburn clinics provide accredited exercise physiology specifically designed for older adults managing osteoporosis. Each program begins with a thorough clinical assessment that reviews your medical history, bone density results, movement capacity and fall risk factors.
From there your exercise physiologist designs a progressive program that combines strength training, weight-bearing activity and balance work in a safe, supervised environment. Programs are adapted as you improve and home exercise strategies are included to support consistency between clinic sessions.
For older adults in Malvern, Armadale, Caulfield and Glen Iris, the Malvern clinic provides convenient access with extended hours Monday to Saturday. For those in Blackburn, Box Hill, Forest Hill and Nunawading, the Blackburn clinic is available Monday to Friday with early morning start times.
Learn more about our supervised osteoporosis exercise in Melbourne available at both clinics.
When to Seek Professional Support
Older adults in Malvern and Blackburn should consider speaking with an accredited exercise physiologist if they:
Have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia Have experienced a fracture from a minor injury Have a family history of osteoporosis and want to take preventive action Feel unsteady on their feet or have concerns about their fall risk Are unsure which exercises are safe given their bone density level
Early intervention is significantly more effective than waiting until bone density has deteriorated further. A structured, supervised exercise program gives older adults the best opportunity to maintain bone strength, improve balance and continue living actively and independently. It is one of the programs for older adults across Melbourne we run every week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones lose density and strength over time, making them more fragile and more likely to fracture from a minor fall or injury. It is sometimes called the silent disease because it has no symptoms until a fracture occurs.
Who gets osteoporosis in Australia?
Over 1.2 million Australians have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. It is more common in women, particularly after menopause, and in adults over the age of 50. Men can also develop osteoporosis, accounting for around 25% of cases.
Can osteoporosis be treated with exercise?
Exercise cannot fully reverse osteoporosis but it is one of the most effective ways to slow bone loss, improve muscle strength and balance, and significantly reduce fracture risk. Progressive resistance training and weight-bearing exercise produce the strongest bone health benefits.
Is it safe to exercise with osteoporosis?
Yes, when guided by an accredited exercise physiologist. Certain exercises need to be modified or avoided depending on bone density level, but most people with osteoporosis can safely engage in strength training, weight-bearing activity and balance work under proper supervision.
How do I know if I have osteoporosis?
A DEXA scan, also known as a bone density test, is the most reliable way to diagnose osteoporosis. It is recommended that all adults aged 70 and over discuss bone density testing with their GP, even if they have not experienced a fracture.
