Cecily O'Connor
RedwoodAge.com

Boomer men and women alike are susceptible to osteoporosis, yet both sexes lack knowledge about bone health that could ward off the potential for pain and disability later in life.

One in 16 men over 65 suffers from the disease, but few are tested or diagnosed, according to the American College of Physicians.

The statistics for women paint a concerning picture, too. One in three women with postmenopausal osteoporosis had not currently been prescribed medication, and more than half said they do not know enough about the disease, according to a new survey by American Medical Women's Association (AMWA), a women's health advocacy group.

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone structure, which results in reduced bone strength and increased risk of fracture, most likely at the hip, spine and wrist. Since May is National Osteoporosis Awareness Month, some groups are urging boomers to take more proactive measure to maintain bone health.

For example, recommendations from ACP call for physicians to screen for osteoporosis in older men, especially those over the age of 65. Meanwhile, AMWA launched a nationwide awareness campaign called "Strong to the Bone" to  encourage women to take steps to avoid fractures.

Risk Factors
Because of the aging population, a dramatic increase in osteoporosis among men and women is expected in the near future. The lack of knowledge and action related to bone health could have consequences. Consider that one in two women over 50 is predicted to break a bone due to osteoporosis, while fractures could lead to potential pain and disability, according to AMWA.

Separate studies also show that fractures result in substantial disease, death and health costs in men. Risk factors for osteoporosis in men are older age, low body weight, weight loss, physical inactivity, previous fractures not caused by substantial trauma, ongoing use of certain drugs (such as those that are used to treat prostate cancer) and low-calcium diets.

Women share many of those same risk factors, too. Yet many are not doing enough to maintain their physical health.

Fifty-seven percent of women said they do not consistently do weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or dancing, which helps to keep bones strong, according to AMWA.

At the same time, many adults want to spend quality time with their families as they age, so being proactive about their health is critical.

"More than 80 percent of the surveyed women diagnosed with postmenopausal osteoporosis feared loss of independence," said Diana Galindo, a geriatrician and past president of AMWA. "One bad break can have personal, social and economic consequences."

Anyone concerned about osteoporosis should check out the AMWA campaign website, which includes a five-minute assessment to evaluate women's personal osteoporosis risk and provides bone health recommendations.

As always, it's always smart to speak to your doctor about any osteoporosis concerns. Older men, especially, might want to ask about the new screening recommendations. Physicians are being urged to obtain a DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan for men who are at increased risk for osteoporosis and are candidates for drug therapy, according to ACP.