Kiwi Men Need to Pay Attention to Bone Health Too
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When people talk about bone health, the conversation often turns straight to women and menopause. But here in New Zealand, men are quietly facing the same risks, and many don’t realise it until a bone breaks. It’s time to change that.
Why Bone Health Matters for Men
Bone health tends to decline with age for everyone, not just women. After the age of 50, men can start losing bone density too, particularly if testosterone levels drop. Osteoporosis in men is often underdiagnosed because it isn’t seen as a “male” condition, yet a significant number of hip fractures in older Kiwis happen to men. The outcomes can be more serious for men than for women, with higher rates of complications following a major fracture.
Common Risk Factors
Several lifestyle and health factors can quietly chip away at bone health over the years. Low calcium and vitamin D intake, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medications can all play a part. Family history matters too. Men who have had a parent with osteoporosis or a hip fracture should be especially mindful of their own bone health as they age.
Steps to Protect Your Bones
Good news is that bone health can be supported at any age. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, tramping, or light resistance training helps maintain bone density and strength. Getting enough calcium through dairy, leafy greens, or fortified foods is important, as is vitamin D, which New Zealanders can often get from safe sun exposure, especially during the cooler months when UV levels are lower. Cutting back on smoking and alcohol also makes a real difference over time.
Regular health checks are worthwhile too. A simple bone density scan, particularly for men with risk factors, can catch problems early before a fracture forces the issue. Talking with a GP about bone health should be as routine as checking blood pressure or cholesterol.
The Takeaway
Bone health isn’t just something to think about later in life or something only women need to worry about. For Kiwi men, staying active, eating well, and keeping an eye on risk factors can go a long way toward strong bones and continued independence in the years ahead. It’s never too late, or too early, to start looking after your bones.
