A new study has uncovered a troubling gap in bone health awareness among older Australians: most don't know which exercises prevent osteoporosis or reduce their risk of dangerous falls and fractures. Researchers from Curtin University surveyed more than 1,400 Australians aged 50 and older and found they scored an average of just 29.5 out of 100 on a bone health knowledge test, revealing widespread misunderstanding about how to protect their bones before a fracture occurs.

Why Don't Older Australians Prioritize Bone Health?

The research exposed a striking disconnect: while most participants understood that being active and eating well matters for overall health, they didn't recognize how critical these habits are specifically for bone strength. Only 18 percent of survey respondents said they paid close attention to reducing their osteoporosis risk, even though 30 percent of women and 13 percent of men reported a family history of the condition.

Osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weaker and more fragile, often goes undetected until someone suffers a fracture. This silent nature makes it easy for people to overlook, despite its serious consequences. The research found that osteoporosis ranked far below other health concerns in participants' minds. Only 4.5 percent listed osteoporosis as their greatest health worry, and just 1 percent named hip fractures as a primary concern.

Certain groups showed even lower awareness levels. Men were more than twice as likely as women to have limited osteoporosis knowledge. Older participants, people with lower education levels, and those without a family history of the condition also tended to have lower awareness.

What Specific Exercises Do People Misunderstand?

Exercise emerged as one of the biggest areas of confusion. More than half of the 1,400 participants could not identify resistance training as an exercise that helps prevent osteoporosis. Even more concerning, more than one-third did not know which exercises could improve balance and reduce falls, two critical factors in preventing fractures in older adults.

This knowledge gap is particularly dangerous because exercise is one of the most effective tools for maintaining bone density and preventing falls. Without understanding which movements strengthen bones and improve stability, older adults may miss opportunities to protect themselves before a fracture occurs.

How to Build Stronger Bones and Reduce Fall Risk

Experts emphasize that people can take practical steps now to protect their bones and reduce fracture risk. Here are the key strategies supported by bone health research:

• Resistance Training: Exercises that work against weight or resistance, such as lifting weights or using resistance bands, help build and maintain bone density by stimulating bone-forming cells.
• Balance and Stability Exercises: Activities that improve balance, such as tai chi, standing on one leg, or heel-to-toe walking, reduce the risk of falls by strengthening the muscles and improving coordination that keep you upright.
• Weight-Bearing Activities: Exercises where your bones support your body weight, including walking, jogging, dancing, or stair climbing, help maintain bone strength and density over time.

Beyond exercise, understanding personal risk factors is essential. Phuong Dung Lam, lead author of the Curtin University study, emphasized the importance of knowing your family history and taking preventive action early.

"People know that being active and eating well is important for their health, but they may not realise how important it is to protect their bones," said Phuong Dung Lam, from Curtin University's School of Population Health.

Phuong Dung Lam, Lead Author, School of Population Health, Curtin University

Professor Deborah Kerr, senior author of the research, stressed that genetics plays a significant role and that people should assess their risk before a fracture occurs.

"The most important thing a person can do is know their risk. Genetics plays a big part. Do they have a parent or grandparent with osteoporosis? We need to help people understand they need to look after their bones before it's too late," explained Professor Deborah Kerr.

Professor Deborah Kerr, Senior Author, School of Population Health, Curtin University

What Do Experts Say About Preventing Fractures?

Ric Forlano, chief executive of Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA, noted that the research confirms what healthcare providers see daily: many people wait until after a fracture to think about bone health, when prevention earlier could have made a real difference.

"This research reinforces what we see every day: many people do not think about osteoporosis until after a fracture, but there are practical steps people can take earlier to support stronger bones and reduce their risk of falls," stated Ric Forlano.

Ric Forlano, Chief Executive, Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA

Forlano emphasized that tailored exercise programs can make a meaningful difference. "Exercise programs that build strength, improve balance and are tailored to a person's ability can make a real difference. We encourage older Western Australians to seek trusted information and speak with their healthcare team about safe ways to maintain bone and muscle health," he added.

Forlano

The Curtin University research, published in the journal Bone, suggests that correcting common misunderstandings about bone health should become a priority in public health messaging. By providing clear, practical information about which exercises strengthen bones and reduce falls, healthcare providers and public health organizations can help older Australians take action before a fracture occurs.

Breaking a bone is a serious medical event that can lead to long-term disability, loss of independence, and complications, particularly in older adults. The good news is that bone health is not fixed. With the right knowledge and consistent effort, people aged 50 and older can strengthen their bones, improve their balance, and significantly reduce their risk of falls and fractures.