Ann-Margret Urges Women 60 and Older to Ask About Bone Density Test

NEW YORK, July 24, 2001 -- Legendary film, television, stage and recording star Ann-Margret is part of a new generation of women 60 and older who will not let their age slow them down. A new national survey of 400 American women ages 60 to 69 showed 56 percent are more active and healthier than they expected to be. And, although 99 percent of women agree it is important to take good care of their health, only half (53 percent) were concerned enough about their bone health to get a bone density test.

In an effort to educate women her age, Ann-Margret plans to spend her 60th birthday year leading the charge for "What 60 Looks Like Now" - a national campaign to encourage women 60-plus to remain active and independent by raising awareness about osteoporosis and the importance of bone density testing.
Osteoporosis is a silent disease that mostly affects women 60 and older and gradually weakens bones, causing them to fracture easily. The campaign is sponsored by The National Council on the Aging (NCOA) and underwritten by a grant from Merck & Co., Inc.

"Over the years, dancing, performing and eating right all have helped me stay healthy," said Ann-Margret. "But I also know that taking care of my health means taking care of my bones. That's why I took a bone density test to make sure I didn't have osteoporosis. It is a serious disease and women should talk with their doctor about a bone density test so they can keep doing the things they love."

Bone Density Testing - Quick, Easy, Painless

A bone density test is the most effective method of determining a woman's risk for osteoporosis. Several types of bone density tests are available that measure the thickness of bones at different body sites.

"I've seen the serious impact osteoporosis has had on some of my friends and how it has affected their health and independence," said Ann-Margret. "I was not about to let that happen to me, so I had a bone density test. I'm lucky. I found out my bones are still healthy and that I don't have osteoporosis."
Despite the availability of bone density tests and Medicare coverage for eligible women over 65, only a relatively small number of women with osteoporosis have been diagnosed and treated. In fact, the survey revealed that of the 46 percent of women who have not gotten a bone density test, 69 percent say it is because no one ever suggested it to them as part of taking care of their health.

"Just as Ann-Margret has done, it's vital that women be proactive and ask their doctor about their risk for osteoporosis and if a bone density test is right for them," said Ethel Siris, M.D., director of the Toni Stabile Osteoporosis Center of the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York. "This is particularly important for postmenopausal women because after menopause, women tend to lose bone rapidly. A bone density test is a quick, painless and non-invasive way to check for this preventable disease."

Women's Thoughts on Aging

The survey asked women in their 60s questions to reveal their current attitudes and beliefs toward aging and health. The findings uncovered facts about women's goals and priorities, their feelings about being in their 60s and their thoughts on aging, including:
More than half the women (51 percent) surveyed believe their 60s are the best years of their lives or that the best years of their lives are still to come.

The three goals women ranked as most important in their life include taking good care of their health (88 percent), being independent (82 percent), and taking care of their family (75 percent).

Seventy-four percent of women agree that their life is more rewarding than they expected it would be; 65 percent are happier than they expected they would be; and 45 percent felt re-invigorated turning 60.

When asked about their fears and concerns about growing older, 72 percent of respondents said losing the ability to be physically active is their greatest fear; and 69 percent worry about becoming dependent on others.

Osteoporosis - A silent disease

Osteoporosis is a silent skeletal disease that causes bones to become more porous, gradually making them weaker and more likely to break from minimal trauma. Because bone loss occurs without symptoms, women often don't realize they have osteoporosis until one or several fractures have occurred. Osteoporosis can cause painful and debilitating spinal fractures, which gradually can collapse the bones of the spine, causing height loss, pain and stooped posture.

Osteoporosis and low bone mass affect an estimated 28 million Americans, 80 percent - or more than 23 million - of them women. Each year, osteoporosis is associated with approximately 1.5 million fractures. Osteoporotic fractures in women are more common than the incidence of heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined.

"One in two women over age 50 will suffer a fracture in her remaining lifetime. However, osteoporosis does not have to be an inevitable part of aging. Once a woman knows she is at risk for osteoporosis, she and her doctor can discuss steps to prevent further bone loss and reduce fracture risk," said Dr. Siris.

About NCOA

NCOA is an association of organizations and individuals dedicated to promoting the dignity, self-determination, well-being and continuing contributions of older persons through leadership and service, education, and advocacy.

Founded in 1950, NCOA has a long history of innovation, including the Meals on Wheels and Foster Grandparents programs, the first national guidelines for geriatric care managers and the only accreditation program for adult day service providers.

About Merck

Merck & Co., Inc. is a leading research-driven pharmaceutical products and services company. Merck discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of innovative products to improve human and animal health, directly and through its joint ventures. Merck-Medco Managed Care manages pharmacy benefits for employers, insurers and other plan sponsors, encouraging the appropriate use of medicines and providing disease management programs. Through these complementary capabilities, Merck works to improve quality of life and contain overall health care costs.

For a free brochure about the "What 60 Looks Like Now" campaign including information on osteoporosis and bone density testing, call 1-800-224-4042.