One fifth of people over the age of 60 who fracture a hip will die due to complications within six to 12 months, the Irish Osteoporosis Society has warned.

In addition, the Society says 50% of these people are unable to wash, bathe or walk across a room unaided and only 20% will regain their independence.

"These are not comfortable statistics, but we need to face them and acknowledge that they are real because we can help to prevent this from happening to ourselves in the future, said Michele O'Brien, National Health Promotion Officer with the Society.

She was speaking ahead of World Osteoporosis Day, which is being held tomorrow (October 20).

World Osteoporosis Day was started by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) to try to raise awareness about a disease which is preventable, but about which there is poor general awareness.

Osteoporosis can affect people of all ages, male or female, including children.

Often known as "brittle bone disease" it can be a "silent" condition.

"For many people, the first sign is an actual bone fracture of the wrist, spine or hip. Others may experience severe episodes of upper, middle or lower back pain or loss of height due to vertebral fractures," said Michele O'Brien.

She said osteoporosis is a condition that is preventable and treatable in the majority of people.

The Osteoporosis Society says we should all really think about osteoporosis prevention from childhood, but it is never too late to treat a person.

Even where the early stages of osteoporosis have taken hold, the prevention/reduction of further bone loss is essential, the Society says.

It adds that consuming dairy products as part of a regular, balanced diet is an essential part of preventing and treating osteoporosis. In addition, bones need regular "weight-bearing" exercise to maintain and build strength.

For more information about osteoporosis, click here

You can also visit irishhealth.com's Osteoporosis Clinic  here