This October, the IOF invites you to take care of your bone health with the #WalkForYourBones 2025 initiative, organized by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), Retos Femeninos, Fundación Velez, and the Brazilian Association of Orthopedics and Osteometabolism (ABOOM) (in Brazil).
The campaign is part of the IOF Latin America’s Healthy Movement and Well-being 2025 initiative and seeks to inspire people of all ages to incorporate walking as an essential part of bone, muscle, and overall health care.

“Our goal is simple and inclusive: to motivate each person to take the first step toward stronger bones. Walking is an accessible activity that can be done anywhere, requires no equipment, and benefits both the body and mind. We want to transform October into a month of movement and awareness about bone health,” explains Monica Caló, IOF Regional Manager for Latin America.

Osteoporosis: the silent challenge
In a region that is aging rapidly, caring for bone health is becoming a priority. According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the population of Latin America and the Caribbean is experiencing rapid aging, with a continuous increase in the number of people over 60 years of age. In 2022, people aged 60 and over accounted for 13.4% of the total population, a figure that is projected to increase to 16.5% in 2030 and 22% in 2050. This aging population implies an increase in the incidence of chronic diseases, including osteoporosis and fragility fractures, which severely impact the quality of life of older adults.

Osteoporosis is known as the “silent disease” because it often goes unnoticed until the first fragility fracture occurs. Each year, up to 37 million fragility fractures occur in people over the age of 55: the equivalent of 70 fractures per minute. Up to 80% of patients who suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis are not diagnosed or treated. 

Walking to strengthen bones and prevent falls
Multiple studies show that regular physical exercise, especially weight-bearing activities such as walking, improves bone mineral density, reduces the risk of falls, and strengthens balance and muscles (Kelley GA et al., Osteoporosis Int 2020). According to WHO data (2020), walking 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, can help maintain stronger bones, control body weight, and improve cardiovascular and mental health.

"We want people to know that it's never too late to start moving. #WalkForYourBones is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of bone health and show that small changes in routine can bring big long-term benefits. In a region undergoing rapid population aging, we need to promote habits that allow people to live longer and better," reinforces Victoria Barrachina, IOF program leader in Latin America.

FLS: preventing a second fracture
The campaign also highlights the importance of Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), multidisciplinary care programs based on a coordinator, designed to identify, treat, and follow up on patients who have suffered a fragility fracture, with the aim of preventing new fractures. 

"FLS have been shown to reduce the risk of refracture by up to 30% and improve treatment adherence, generating both clinical and economic benefits for healthcare systems. Initiatives such as #WalkForYourBones help close the treatment gap and transform the way we approach osteoporosis at the national level. When people are informed and seek timely care, it is easier to integrate them into an FLS and offer them a personalized treatment plan that truly prevents future fractures," says Dr. Luiz Tikle Viera, FLS mentor from Brazil.

How to participate in #WalkForYourBones
The campaign will run throughout October, coinciding with World Osteoporosis Day (October 20). The #WalkForYourBones initiative is simple: invite people to walk at their own pace, without mandatory goals or competition, with the aim of adopting walking as a sustainable and healthy habit. Those who register will receive a tracking sheet to record their walks, access to weekly webinars with specialists, mini motivational challenges, and educational resources on bone health and fracture prevention.

Registration is free and open to the entire community.
📲 Registration: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/CaminataIOF

Participants can join from anywhere, adapt their walk to their pace and physical condition, and share their progress on social media using the hashtag #CaminaPorTusHuesos and mentioning @osteoporosis.iof and @aboom.nacional (in Brazil).