Why Is It Important To Know About Osteoporosis And Osteopenia?

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease. While osteoporosis and osteopenia are painless, it is still important for you to understand how they affect your personal health, family, finances, and lifestyle. A recent report from the U.S. Surgeon General says that by 2020, half of all Americans over the age of 50 will be at risk for fractures as a result of osteoporosis.

Current estimates indicate that osteoporosis is an expensive healthcare problem, costing Americans $18 billion per year. Osteoporosis is costly not only in dollars and cents, but also in terms of poor health, disability, and social isolation. Fractures that result from osteoporosis can be devastating. Up to 20% of those who fracture a hip will die within 1 year of the fracture. Of those who survive, 50% will not be able to return to independent living.

Those who suffer fractures as a result of osteoporosis may not be able to dress themselves or carry on other activities of daily living, frequently causing depression and isolation from others. About 20% will need nursing home or assisted living care after a hip fracture because they are not able to live independently.