On the occasion of World Osteoporosis Day, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is proud to announce that its online resource, Build Better Bones (currently available in English, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish), now includes new sections dedicated to diagnosis and treatment, enhancing the platform’s mission to empower people with osteoporosis and their caregivers.

The Build Better Bones platform offers practical and accessible information to support individuals with osteoporosis in leading healthier, more independent lives. 

It provides helpful guidance on strengthening bones and reducing the risk of fragility fractures through:

• Targeted exercises to improve strength, balance, and mobility
• Bone-healthy nutrition advice and resources, including recipes
• Diagnosis and treatment
• Fall prevention strategies
• Support for caregivers

Stronger bones with exercise and bone-healthy nutrition

Physical activity is a cornerstone of bone health. Build Better Bones provides easy-to-follow video animations and step-by-step guidance on balance, function-based, strengthening, and bone-loading exercises. The platform also emphasizes safe exercise practices, including warm-ups and proper technique, helping older adults remain mobile, independent, and resilient against fractures. Falls prevention strategies are also addressed.

Bone-healthy nutrition supports strong bones, and the website provides information about calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other key nutrients that support bone health. Helpful resources include a list of calcium contents in foods and bone-healthy recipes.

Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential

This new section explains how osteoporosis is diagnosed, the treatment options available, and why adherence to treatment matters. By understanding their condition and treatment options, patients can take an active role in their care, stay on track with medications and lifestyle changes, and work with their healthcare providers to prevent fractures and maintain independence.

Support for caregivers

A unique feature of the platform is its dedicated caregiver section. Caregivers—often family or close friends—play a crucial role in helping people with osteoporosis live safely and independently. The platform offers guidance on daily care, emotional support, and strategies for enabling patients to remain in their homes comfortably.

Dr. Philippe Halbout, IOF CEO, stated: "Timely diagnosis and treatment, targeted exercise, bone-healthy nutrition, and fall prevention strategies are all essential for the effective management of osteoporosis. With its extensive and accessible information on all these important aspects, the Build Better Bones platform aims to help patients be proactive in their bone health journey. We hope it becomes a trusted resource for patients worldwide."

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About Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a low-impact fall or bump causes a bone to break (known as a fragility fracture). The most common fractures due to osteoporosis are at the wrist, hip, and spine. However, breaks can also happen in other bones, such as in the arm or pelvis. In people with weak bones, sometimes a sneeze or simply bending over can cause a vertebral (spine) fracture. It is important to be aware of osteoporosis risk factors and to ask for a bone health assessment if any risk factors are identified. Osteoporosis can be diagnosed and managed through bone-strengthening medicines and lifestyle interventions. 

About the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)
IOF is the world’s largest nongovernmental organization dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases. IOF’s membership committees include leading scientific experts, 340 patient organizations and medical societies in more than 150 countries, as well as universities worldwide. The IOF Capture the Fracture® initiative counts over 1,200 Fracture Liaison Services across all regions of the world. Together, this global network works to prioritize bone health and fracture prevention, sharing a vision of a world free from fragility fractures, where healthy mobility is a reality for all. @iofbonehealth www.osteoporosis.foundation