Osteoporosis On The Rise In Hong Kong: Expert

A doctor from the Family Planning Association on Wednesday said the rate of osteoporosis in Hong Kong is expected to increase as the population ages.

To mark World Osteoporosis Day, the association is urging elderly women to get tested for the condition that weakens bones, after it found that out of 1,800 women aged 65 and above who joined its "bone" programme, four in five had weakening bones, with just over a quarter considered to be at high risk of fractures.

The association's Dr Sue Lo said it was a "silent" disease, so people needed to be vigilant.

"They should do more exercise, have adequate sunshine and have adequate calcium intake," Lo said.

She said those who have diabetes, thyroid diseases and rheumatoid arthritis should get a check.

"Those who are on medication should check with their doctors if their drugs could affect their bones, those who are smoking should quit smoking, and they should moderate the intake of alcohol, caffeine and also strong tea as well."

She said more people nowadays were more cautious about their diet and exercise, but often, the elderly people just go for walks, whereas to prevent the disease, more moderate exercise was needed, such as a brisk walk or a jog.

Lo added men were not immune as statistics showed one in three elderly with hip fractures were men.

There is currently no screening programme in Hong Kong for osteoporosis, and the waiting time at public hospitals for bone density screening is quite long, and usually reserved for people at higher risk – such as the elderly, or those who have suffered fractures.