Over €400 million is spent by the health service every year treating fractures in older people, the Irish Osteoporosis Society (IOS) has said. Deirdre Condon, Irish Health, reports:

As part of its winter initiative, the society has produced a new Fall Prevention booklet aimed specifically at older people. It pointed that last Christmas, emergency departments (EDs) were ‘overwhelmed with the amount of broken bones' due to the bad weather.

"Most fractures occur from a fall, this is why preventing falls and diagnosing those at risk of osteoporosis is so important. This booklet is essential for every senior citizen to help maintain their independence," said IOS national health promotion manager, Michele O'Brien.

Osteoporosis is a disease in which there is a thinning of the bones, causing them to fracture (break) more easily. While it can occur in people of all ages, it is most common in post-menopausal women.

Ms O'Brien pointed out that one in five men and one in two women over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis, yet just 15% of people with the condition are diagnosed. A massive 90% of hip fractures are due to osteoporosis.

Furthermore, 20% of Irish people aged over 60 who fracture a hip will die within six to 12 months, while 50% will be unable to wash, bath or walk across a room unaided. Just 30% go on to regain their independence.

The Fall Prevention booklet is available free from the IOS by phoning 1890 252 751 or (01) 637 5050. It can also be ordered by emailing info@irishosteoporosis.ie