Healthy Bones Action Week: South Australian Dairy Farmers Encourage Women to Prioritise Bone Health

This year's campaign shines a spotlight on women aged 50 and over, recognising that menopause is a critical time for bone health. The natural decline in oestrogen during menopause accelerates bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

South Australian Dairyfarmers' Association (SADA) CEO Andrew Curtis said dairy foods play an important role in helping Australians maintain strong, healthy bones throughout life.

"Strong bones are built over a lifetime, but it's never too late to make positive changes," Andrew Curtis said.

"For women over 50, calcium requirements increase significantly. Including milk, cheese and yoghurt as part of a balanced diet is one of the simplest ways to help meet those needs while also providing high-quality protein and other essential nutrients."

Osteoporosis affects around one in five Australian women over the age of 65, yet around 90 per cent of Australian adults are not consuming the recommended amount of dairy each day.

Women aged over 50 are encouraged to consume four serves of dairy each day, compared with 2.5 serves for most adults aged 19 to 50.

Healthy Bones Action Week highlights three simple actions Australians can take to support bone health:

• Enjoy calcium-rich dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yoghurt.
• Stay active with regular weight-bearing exercise such as walking, gardening or dancing.
• Get safe sun exposure to help the body produce vitamin D, which supports calcium absorption.

Andrew Curtis said South Australia's dairy farmers were proud to produce nutritious, locally made dairy products that support the health and wellbeing of families across the state.

"Dairy is one of nature's most complete foods, providing calcium, protein and other key nutrients that contribute to healthy bones and healthy lives," he said.

"As dairy farmers, we're proud to produce fresh, nutritious milk that supports South Australians at every stage of life—from building strong bones in childhood through to maintaining bone strength as we age."

South Australians are also invited to take part in the 7 Ways in 7 Days: Dairy Serves Challenge, an initiative encouraging simple daily habits to help increase dairy intake and support bone health.

The challenge runs throughout Healthy Bones Action Week and provides easy ideas for incorporating more dairy into everyday meals and snacks.

For more information about Healthy Bones Action Week and the Dairy Serves Challenge, visit dairy.com.au/healthybones or follow @sada on socials.

ENDS