How common is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis can affect both men and women and, although quite rare, can even affect children. At present it is estimated that 300,000 people in Ireland have osteoporosis and that one in two women and one in four men over the age of 50 years will develop a fracture in their lifetime. Hip fracture is one of the most serious associated concerns with significant mortality rates and the risk increases with age.