Objective: This pilot study explored whether individual goal setting in a retirement village setting could improve strategies to strengthen bones in an ageing population and help prevent osteoporosis.
Methods: A two-phased osteoporosis prevention program was developed, piloted and evaluated involving a group education session followed by the development of individualised Bone Plans based upon personal understanding of individual fracture risk and lifestyle factors.
Results: A significant improvement in knowledge and understanding of factors to prevent and manage osteoporosis was achieved, and changes in lifestyle behaviours were sustained at six months.
Conclusion: Success was due to education by specialist medical and health personnel, flexibility of goal setting, use of group sessions and location of the program within the retirement community setting. The 'Mind Your Bones' program is a feasible and acceptable way to translate preventative bone health messages to a large number of people via the retirement village network.
Keywords: community dwelling; healthy aging; osteoporotic fractures; patient education.
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