Experts warn seniors to be proactive about osteoporosis

The scan, also known as a DEXA scan determines risk of developing the condition. More than 2 million Australians are at risk of developing osteoporosis, which can be life threatening, with one in four people dying within 12 months of a hip fracture.

The research was conducted as part of The Big O campaign, which highlights the importance of seniors getting the scan, as recommended in current osteoporosis guidelines.

Monash University head of medicine Peter Ebeling said bone density testing costs were completely reimbursed by the government for those who are 70 or older.

"A DEXA scan will alert your GP if your skeleton is showing signs of bone loss and if you need to take action," Professor Ebeling said.

The research also revealed only 19 per cent of Australians in the age bracket had received a scan in the past 12 months, despite 72 per cent of older Australians living with osteoporosis having been diagnosed as a result of the scan.

"Two in three people aged over 70 years are at risk of osteoporotic fracture, which is why it is so important that Australians over 70 go and get a bone density scan, even if they don't have any symptoms, Professor Ebeling said.

He said many people did not experience symptoms of osteoporosis prior to their first fracture.

Professor Ebeling said new guidelines for osteoporosis treatment expected to be released soon by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, will include updated recommendations for GPs, including encouragement of the use of fracture risk assessment tools.

"We need to treat patients who've come into a hospital with a broken bone so that they don't have another broken bone," he said.

Measures that can help reduce the risk of falls in the elderly include removal of hazards such as rugs, which can be easily tripped over, from the home and being aware of any deterioration in eyesight.

For more information on the campaign, or to organise a bone density scan, click here.