Days Until World Osteoporosis Day

About World Osteoporosis Day

October 20 was launched in 1996 by the UK's National Osteoporosis Society before being adopted by the International Osteoporosis Foundation and the World Health Organization the following year, raising awareness of bone health and fracture prevention.

Osteoporosis is estimated to affect a substantial share of women and a smaller but significant share of men over age 50 worldwide, according to International Osteoporosis Foundation estimates.

The observance promotes bone-density screening and lifestyle measures — including calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise — as key prevention strategies against fracture risk in older age.

Weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and avoiding smoking are the three most commonly cited prevention measures in the day's public health messaging, alongside regular bone-density screening for at-risk groups.

The International Osteoporosis Foundation also uses the day to publish country-specific fracture-risk data, since incidence rates vary considerably by region due to differences in diet, sun exposure, and average life expectancy.