The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) recently announced a strategic five-year collaboration aimed at enhancing bone health and ageing strategies worldwide.

This collaboration holds immense potential for positive change, particularly for individuals in the UK who are invested in maintaining their bone health. Here are the top five things this collaboration means for bone health in the UK.

1. A Strategic Roadmap for Bone Health and Ageing

The WHO-ESCEO agreement focuses on developing a strategic roadmap for bone health and ageing. Such a roadmap will provide a clear, structured plan that can guide the UK’s efforts in improving bone health and managing age-related bone conditions like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

2. Improved Public Health Strategies

One of the key aims of the collaboration is to advocate for a public health strategy to prevent fractures among older people. This will likely lead to enhanced policies and preventive measures within the UK’s healthcare system that prioritise fracture prevention and promote overall bone health.

3. Emphasis on the Well-being of Older People

The collaboration recognises the need to improve the health and well-being of older people. In the UK, where an ageing population presents a significant healthcare challenge, this emphasis will likely translate into more resources and support for older individuals dealing with bone health issues.

4. Prevention Over Cure

With the announcement of this collaboration, the WHO and ESCEO are bringing the importance of prevention strategies for bone health to the forefront.

The focus on preventing fractures and other complications related to poor bone health among older individuals aligns with the fundamental principle of preventive healthcare – that it is better to prevent diseases than to treat them.

This approach of “prevention over cure” is especially important in the context of bone health, where early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of serious health issues down the line.

Osteoporosis, for example, is often referred to as a “silent disease” because it progresses without symptoms until a fracture occurs.

By prioritizing preventive measures such as regular bone health check-ups and lifestyle modifications, individuals can maintain stronger bones as they age and reduce their risk of fractures.

DexaStrong is aligned with this preventive approach. We have a number of services related to including:

• Our DEXA scans offer a non-invasive, quick and highly accurate way to assess bone health, enabling individuals to take early action to preserve their bone density. These scans can identify lower-than-normal bone density before it reaches the stage of osteoporosis, providing an opportunity for preventive care and early intervention.
• Whole-Body Vibration Exercise (WBV) – This is a type of exercise that involves exposing the entire body to mechanical vibrations, often through a vibrating platform. Research shows this has various health benefits, particularly for muscle strength and balance.
• BoneStrong Bone-Loading Therapy – Mechanical Osteogenic Loading, which has been proven to increase the average Bone Mineral Density in a wide range of studies, including one that saw an average increase of 7.7% in a study of 126 females over 60. This is the equivalent of improving bone age by 4 to 8 years.

Promoting a public health strategy that puts prevention at its core, this collaboration is paving the way for a healthier ageing population.

This focus on prevention rather than cure represents a significant shift in how we approach bone health, underlining the importance of early detection and proactive management of bone health.

5. More Activities, Fewer Restrictions for Older Individuals

By focusing on fracture prevention, the collaboration aims to enable older individuals to continue doing the activities they enjoy.

This means a future where UK residents can age gracefully, enjoying active lifestyles without being overly concerned about fractures and other bone health issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the collaborative initiative between WHO and ESCEO marks a significant stride towards bringing bone health and ageing to the forefront of public health discussions.

The focus on strategic planning, preventative measures, and the well-being of older individuals aligns with the values and goals that we, at DexaStrong, are deeply committed to.

The DexaStrong team has dedicated their careers and research to enhance public understanding and management of bone health, with a particular emphasis on prevention rather than cure.

Our DEXA scanning technology offers a proactive approach to bone health, allowing individuals to monitor their bone density and overall musculoskeletal health.

We are thrilled to see the global conversation around bone health evolving in a way that mirrors our own principles.

As we continue to provide our services, we are excited to see how this WHO-ESCEO collaboration will further shape the landscape of bone health in the UK and beyond.

This is a promising time for all of us who are dedicated to improving bone health, and we look forward to being a part of the journey towards a healthier future.

To find out more about how we at DexaStrong are supporting the fight against bone degradation, and how you can take proactive steps towards maintaining your bone health, learn more about our scans.

*Featured Image Credits: Representatives from WHO and ESCEO, signed a donor agreement at WHO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.